Jim Reilly lived each day to the fullest! Quick to laugh, easy to love, and generous beyond words, Jim was loved by many and is so dearly missed.
Jim entered the electrical field immediately upon high school graduation, earning his electrical certification from Franklin Institute in Boston. Having been in the industry since 1974, he worked his way up from an apprentice to journeyman to master electrician. At one point, he was Massachusetts youngest master electrician!
Jim enjoyed work! He found success and held all positions from Project Foreman to Vice President of Operations, handling a manpower department consisting of over 200 field electricians, before opening RELCO’s doors for the first time in 1993. How many owners can say that they served in nearly every capacity within their company at some point?
Over the last nearly 30 years, RELCO has gained a reputation as being one of the premier electrical and telecommunications companies in New England expanding business across four offices in three states. While serving some of science and technology’s foremost pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and Moderna, and higher educational facilities throughout New England, RELCO has maintained the feeling of a small, family business where everyone knows your name.
Jim strongly believed one of the keys to the company’s success has been its ability to recruit and retain top quality personnel. It was always the people and the dedication to hard-work that kept – and has kept – RELCO going.
Family was at the core of all that Jim did. There’s something to be said for both of his children working as a part of Team RELCO!
From the beginning, family was one of the motivating reasons that safety has been such a priority – getting everyone home to their families is paramount. He lost sleep during tough times and recessions where layoffs were inevitable. Jim wanted to provide for his family, and he wanted every employee to have the opportunity to provide for their own.
Some of Jim’s favorite places were the corner office at RELCO Headquarters in Easton, Cape Cod, Florida – and wherever his family was. As a proud American, the best holiday of the year was the 4th of July when family and friends gathered at his home on Cape Cod. When Jim wasn’t spending time with his family, he also enjoyed boating, catching a Red Sox or Patriots game or playing a round of golf at Charles River Country Club.
Always mindful of where he came from, he remained close to his roots and many of his childhood friends. Some of Jim’s strongest bonds were with those who knew him the longest – his six siblings and their families, and his close group of friends he knew since 2nd grade.
Not bad for an electrician from Islington…
