Herbert (Jesse) James Jr. died on Nov. 8 at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 64.

He retired in 2006 from the Boston and Maine Railroad after 37 years, although Jesse never really retired. He always wanted to stay active and spent the last five years working for the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School system. Jesse’s passion was driving his ‘kids’ and other passengers on his bus. He was active in the community and involved with the Masons, Shriner’s, Lions Club and others. Toys for Tots had a special place in his heart.

Jesse was born in Arlington and spent his youth in Sudbury, graduating from Lincoln Sudbury Regional High school in 1964. He spent most of his adulthood in Montague.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kathryn (Costello) James and six children: Herbert 3rd of Montague, Kathryn Zarpus of Virginia Beach, Michelle Hamilton of Turners Falls, Gabrielle James of Boston, Dawne Forrester of New York and Nicole James of Vermont. He also leaves 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters and many loving extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven, officiated by the Rev. Robert Hensley, and with a Masonic funeral service performed by the Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Masonic Lodge.