Boston College students joined BC Dining Services last week in mourning the death of a longtime staffer who often shared his love of music at campus events.
James M. Devoe Jr., a BCDS dining manager at McElroy Commons who had worked in the division for 30 years, died on April 30 at the age of 62. Dining Services posted a note in McElroy Commons about Mr. Devoe’s death and set up a message board with a photo of him involved in one of his favorite activities: playing guitar and singing.
“Our team is still processing our loss today,” said Director of BC Dining Elizabeth Emery in an e-mail to The Heights, noting that in addition to the BCDS Christmas party, Mr. Devoe had often played in front of the Corcoran Commons fireplace for student diners.
Another tribute to Mr. Devoe was posted by the Music Guild of BC – a student-run club that organizes practice space and concerts and serves as a point of contact for student musicians – on its Facebook page: “Devoe blessed the Music Guild with his unwavering support and love of music. Devoe frequented our open mics and would put on a show anytime he could. The Guild’s favorite memory of Jim Devoe is his enthusiastic cover of ‘Fly Over States’ [a song popularized by country singer Jason Aldean] which would undoubtedly get a sing-a-long going.”
“Grandpa Jim!” one comment read. “I love you! May the music be with you in heaven.”
Mr. Devoe is survived by his wife, Joyce Jahrling-Devoe, and children James III, Thomas and Diane; his sisters Marcia Delaney and Christine Tufts; and his brothers Michael, Steven and Paul. Read his obituary here.
–University Communications