James Francis McManus, born on January 2, 1952, in Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. The third of six siblings, Jim was a beloved brother to Paul McManus, Bob McManus, Jay McManus, Jane Kenslea, and Tim McManus, and a cherished brother-in-law to Delores McManus, Betty McManus, Cindy McManus, Tom Kenslea, and Kathy McManus. He was a devoted father to Katiejane and David, and a proud father-in-law to Benjamin Dennis. Jim is also survived by numerous extended family members, including in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews from both the McManus and Farrington families. While he was affectionately known by many as “Jim,” “Jimmy,” “Uncle Jim,” and “Pumpsie,” his most treasured role was that of “Dad.”

A native of Watertown, MA, and 1970 graduate of Watertown High School, Jim went on to study Horticulture at UMass Amherst—a field that became both his passion and his profession. His love for plants and landscape design was more than just a career; it was a lifelong calling. Whether designing gardens and large-scale projects for clients, tending to his own backyard, overseeing the New England Spring Flower Show for the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, or offering advice to friends and family, Jim approached plants with the same patience and care that he gave to the people he loved.

The majority of his early adulthood was spent in Belmont, MA, raising his two children Katiejane and David, with his then-wife, Maureen. Immensely dedicated to his family, Jim’s life was a testament to his unwavering devotion to his children’s growth and happiness. He was a hands-on father, coaching his daughter in basketball, fostering her passion for cross-country running, and accompanying his son to various performances on the Boston stage, sharing in his love of the arts.

Jim’s love for his family extended far beyond everyday moments, exemplified by his deep affection for the annual family vacation in Maine. This beloved tradition was not merely a retreat; it was a sanctuary that evoked a deep sense of generational nostalgia, serving as a powerful reminder of the McManus family’s enduring connection to this idyllic place. For Jim, there was no greater joy than witnessing his siblings and children flourish, not just in their achievements, but in the joy of their shared experiences. His life was centered around their happiness and the enduring bond they shared as a family.

Jim devoted nearly 50 years of his life to the Wagon Wheel Nursery in Lexington as Lead Landscape Architect, leading a talented team of landscapers and tradesmen who brought his visions to life across numerous developments, homes, towns, and universities. He cherished his colleagues, affectionately calling them his “team,” his “guys,” and his “amigos.” He loved them all like family. To him, work was one of life’s greatest gifts Ustedes son realmente excepcionales. Fue un honor para él trabajar junto a ustedes. Lo hicieron sentirse orgulloso cada día.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim possessed a profound appreciation for life's simpler pleasures, particularly golf. Though it was a cherished pastime, he found immense joy in spending time on the course, where he reveled in the camaraderie and challenge of the game. In addition to his athletic interests, Jim was a talented writer, particularly drawn to the art of poetry. He used this creative outlet to capture the beauty in life's most fleeting moments, finding in it a therapeutic release for his thoughts and reflections.

In recent years, Jim made Billerica, MA, his home, immersing himself in his passions and leaving his mark on a community he cherished. He took great pleasure in witnessing a new generation of children experience the same safe, family-oriented environment that had once nurtured his own children in Belmont. Adopting the role of the neighborhood "Grandpa," he provided young ones with their first opportunities to earn a little pocket money—whether by mowing his lawn or taking out the trash – and was ever-present to offer thoughtful counsel when they sought his wisdom or just wanted a few more handfuls of candy. His conversations with many in his life often concluded with the heartfelt reminder: "Follow your heart.”

WHEN THE SHIP COMES IN

A ship is free sailing

Majestic and bright

A wonder by day

Mystical at night

If your ship doesn’t come in

And life seems distraught

A friend of mine once told me

Wait for it, you must not

Pick yourself up

Put on a smile

Swim out to that ship

No matter the mile

There on a the ship

A love may await

The swim was worthwhile

If you’re not too late

Loyalty, trust

Compassion and respect

Key ingredients of love

Nothing small to neglect

If your ship should stand still

Long enough for you to board

Do it with grace

And approach with accord

Your lives together

May never be the same

You both long for love

The future looks tame

Fear not, be brave

The threads of life are thin

You’ll be rewarded

When your ship comes in

Written by Jim McManus on 11.29.01

In honor of Jim's boundless generosity and kindness, we honor his legacy through meaningful action. Jim consistently demonstrated a profound willingness to assist others and foster goodwill. In his memory, let us dedicate ourselves to performing an act of kindness for someone in need.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society or a charity of your choice. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society is a nonprofit dedicated to horticultural education, research, and conservation. Through its Elm Bank Reservation gardens, it promotes sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship. Mass Hort offers educational programs for all ages, including hands-on gardening experiences for schools, field trips, and curriculum support for teachers. These initiatives foster ecological awareness, enhance green spaces, and provide opportunities for communities to connect with nature, while inspiring the next generation of gardeners and environmental leaders.

Link can be found below

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, scheduled for late May 2025.