James P. Palmer, 86

Shrewsbury - James P. "Jim" Palmer, 86, died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007 at Knollwood Nursing Center in Worcester after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 63 years, Josephine (Zuk) Palmer; his son, Robert Palmer and his wife, Denise; his daughter, Michelle Capalbo and her husband, Peter; and his grandchildren, Nicole and Brian Capalbo.

Born in Worcester, the son of George and Mary (Hubbard) Palmer, he lived in Shrewsbury for 23 years. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II in the European African-Middle Eastern Theatre, Asiatic Pacific Theatre and the Philippine Liberation.

Mr. Palmer owned and operated Jim Palmer Landscaping Co. in Shrewsbury for 25 years before retiring in 1985. As a landscaper, he could usually be found in his spare time in his own backyard tending to his beautiful gardens. He was member of the D.A.V. and a former member of the Adelphi Council # 4181 of the Knights of Columbus in Shrewsbury.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The Palmer family wishes to extend many thanks to all of the healthcare workers, nurses, and doctors at Summit Elder Care, Saint Vincent Hospital and Knollwood Nursing Center for their many hours of compassionate care given to Mr. Palmer and his family during his illness.

A funeral mass was celebrated Aug. 27 from Saint Mary's Church in Shrewsbury, with burial with military honors at Mountain View Cemetery. The Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home directed arrangements.