James Finbarr Tobin, age 63, of Newton and Brewster, died peacefully, Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Affectionately known as “Finn” or “Finney” to family and friends, he is survived by his loving wife, Heidi (Charlton) Tobin and enjoyed 33 years of marriage where they resided in Newton. James was a devoted father to Sheila C. Tobin of South Boston and Gillian C. Tobin of Newton. Devoted brother of Rosemarie Murdocca and her husband Mark of Milford and Sean Patrick Tobin and his wife Deirdre of Harwichport.

James was a deeply loved brother-in-law to Scott T. Charlton and his wife Janice of Salem, Aimee C. McIntyre and her husband Paul of Cary, N.C., Erik T. Charlton and his wife Diana of Hermosa Beach, Calif., and Kurt T. Charlton and his wife Loriann of Braintree.

Dear uncle to 15 nieces and nephews including Caitlin Murdocca, Justine St. Martin and her husband Mike, Ryan Tobin, Fiona Tobin, Catrina Tobin, Nicholas Charlton and his wife Maria, Taylor Charlton and his wife Natasha, Patrick Charlton, Max McIntyre, Shea McIntyre, Ashley Charlton, Luke Charlton, Jack Charlton, Owen Charlton, and Daniel Charlton. James is also survived by several great nieces and great nephews.

James was born in Birmingham, England, the eldest son to the late Rose (Conlon) (County Monaghan, IRL) and John Tobin (County Cork, IRL). In 1969, James’ parents emigrated to the United States with their young family in search of new opportunities. The family briefly settled in Dorchester before making their home in Braintree where James lived for over 20 years. The family was proud of their Irish heritage and made frequent family trips to Ireland.

James attended St. Francis of Assisi School in Braintree and served as a boy scout in Troop #67 St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Some of James’ fondest childhood memories are his adventures with his brother, Sean, at Camp Yawgoog, in Hopkinton, R.I., the Boy Scout’s summer camp. Together, they camped under the stars and competed in outdoor activities, including archery, fishing, swimming, and boating. In 1978, James achieved Eagle Scout rank, which is the Boy Scouts’ highest award for outstanding service to the community.

James attended Boston College High School in Boston and was a graduate of the Class of 1979. James excelled in a Jesuit education. In 1983, he graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He was proud of his “double eagle” distinction. James then earned his PhD in Biochemistry from Brandeis University in 1989 and pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University School of Public Health in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases.

For more than 20 years, James was a devoted scientist and researcher, leading many drug discoveries and therapeutics for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. He was esteemed among his peers, and served as a mentor and friend to numerous colleagues. He began his professional career at Genetics Institute (GI) in Cambridge as a senior scientist from 1993 to 2001. From 2001 to 2011, James served as Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Pfizer, in Cambridge and led a research group focusing on the treatment of metabolic diseases. James was an entrepreneur-in-residence for Atlas Venture in Cambridge from 2011 to 2013 and focused on company formation in the life science sector. For the next 11 years, James served as Vice President of Cardiovascular and Metabolism Scientific Innovation at the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center in Cambridge. In April 2025, James founded Red Strand LLC, a life science consulting firm allowing him to continue to impart his knowledge to a range of startup biotechs. Over his professional career he authored 50 peer reviewed journals, held ten patents, and collaborated with a legion of scientists, academics and investors to bring life-saving therapeutics to market to improve the quality of life for others.

James led a rich life and had many diverse interests. His passion for the outdoors continued into his adult years as he enjoyed cycling, skiing, scuba diving, Gaelic football, golf and fishing. For over 20 years, James was an avid golfer and was a former member of the Furnace Brook Golf Club in Quincy and The Captains Golf Course in Brewster where he forged many lasting friendships. His love of golf also led him to explore courses in California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, and many throughout the Commonwealth.

James was an avid sports fan and followed the Boston Celtics for over five decades. He was a former Boston College Football and Basketball season ticket holder for many years and enjoyed watching Premier League Football to cheer on his favorite team, Manchester United.

Throughout James’ life, Cape Cod has always held a special place in his heart. Over the last 25 years, James cherished his summer months with Heidi and their daughters at their Brewster home. One of his greatest joys was his time spent on the beach with family and onboard his boat, Helix. James was also an avid big game fisherman and a Coast Guard Certified Fishing Captain. He had a passion to be on the water fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna and striped bass with his family and a devoted group of friends from Nauset Marine East at Meetinghouse Pond in Orleans.

James touched so many lives and his memory will live on in all of us. A Celebration of Life service is planned for the fall, with the date and time to be announced on the funeral home website.

For those who wish, donations in James’ name to honor his mother Rose (Conlon) Tobin, may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada Street Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.