Southborough – James J. Battles, 81, a longtime resident of Southborough, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011 at Marlborough Hills Health Care after a long illness. He was the husband of Patricia (Lawton) Battles for the past 38 years.
Mr. Battles was a graduate of Boston College and St. John Seminary of Brighton. He was a priest for over 14 years, before leaving the priesthood and becoming an administrator for several area nursing homes. He later was the owner and administrator of Edgell Rest Home in Framingham for 25 years, before retiring in 2001.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, David Allen and his wife Janet of Westfield, Michael Allen and his wife Frances of Plaistow, N.H., Mark Allen and his wife Diane of Marlborough, Kathleen Allen of West Hartford, Deborah Chance and her husband Kenneth of Grafton, Kevin Battles and his wife Kathleen of Southborough, and Brian Battles and his wife Sauwai of Andover, and eight grandchildren, David and Kaitlyn Chance, Rachel and Ryan Allen, Taylor and Matthew Allen, and Olivia and John Battles.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Southborough. A Mass of resurrection will be held Thursday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m., at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd, Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, Run for the Memory Team, 31 Arsenal St., Watertown, MA 02472.
For online condolences, visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.
