Westford - Shirley James “S.J.” Minor, 87, died peacefully Friday January 23, 2015 at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans with family by his side. Shirley was born on August 25, 1927 in Fairfax the son of Arthur and Evon ( Hoben ) Minor. He spent his early years working on the family farm in Buck Hollow in Fairfax. He eventually set off on his own, painting, remodeling homes and eventually becoming an all around building contractor. One of his most proud accomplishments was building and helping establish the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton. Shirley married Madeline Lavallee in St. Luke's Catholic Church in Fairfax on May 28, 1955. Together they began their family in Westford. They enjoyed traveling to Europe, Florida and camping with their motor home. Surviving is his wife, our Mom, of over 59 years, Madeline of Westford and their children, James Minor Sr. and his wife Karen of Fairfax, Steven Minor and Lori Saunders of Georgia, and Maria Minor of Fairfax. His is also survived by his daughter-in-law Julie Minor of Fairfax and by grandchildren Elizabeth and husband Tim Marcotte, who are the parents of Shirley's first great grandchild to be born soon, Victoria Minor, Caitlin Minor, James Minor II, and Alexandria Minor, by his brothers Lee and wife Louise and David and wife Janet Minor and by several nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his sisters Ilene Drinkwine, Harriett Wells and brothers Carlton, Wallace and Gerald Minor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 11am in St. Luke's Catholic Church in Fairfax. Burial will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery. A reception for friends and relatives will be held in the Red Brick Meeting House in Westford. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 26th from 4-7pm in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton.
