James Geist

James L Geist, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family Saturday, May 3, 2014. He was the loving husband of M. Elaine (Bravos) Geist with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, PA January 6, 1929, he was the son of the late Walter J. and Bertha (Simon) Geist. Jim was a graduate of West Catholic High School and Villanova University in 1951, where he received his Bachelors in Science of Mechanical Engineering. Jim began a career at General Electric, which he enjoyed for over 40 years as an Aircraft Engine Design and Program Manager, receiving 14 awards for outstanding service from the United States Air Force and Navy as well as Foreign Services. Some of his hobbies included traveling, gardening, and cooking. He especially enjoyed trying out new recipes. In addition to his wife, he leaves three of his four sons, Dan and his wife Carol of Boxborough, MA, Tim of Pembroke, NH, Ron and his wife Paula of Danvers, MA. He also is survived by a daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Geist of Litchfield, NH; nine grandchildren: Jason and his wife Andrea, Liz, Laurel, Lucy, Ariel, Nick, Alex, Heather, and Rosemary; a sister-in-law Janet and her husband Donald Guerette of Danvers, MA and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Walter of Wilmington, DE and son Gary and his wife Mary of Alexandria, VA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers, MA Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, Haverhill, MA. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday, May 9, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street Danvers, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.