Wenham - Donald Jaques Killam, Jr., 88, of Wenham, died on Friday, May 1, 2026. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Donald Jaques, Sr. and F. Murial (Pentz) Killam. He was the devoted husband of Susan Jean (Moffett) Killam with whom he shared 54 wonderful years of marriage.

Don was born and raised in Wenham, where his family was one of the first families to settle in Wenham in the 1630's. After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1955, Don went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He then went on to a career with the MASS Highway Department as a Civil Engineer, specializing in road design and bridges. Don served in the Army as a mechanic and then transferred to the Air Force National Guard as a Fire Protection Specialist (Crash Crew Chief). Following in his family's footsteps, Don joined the Wenham Fire Department in 1957, at the age of 19, during the Manchester Forest Fires. He served for 42 years in Wenham, where he rose through the ranks to Fire Chief in 1978. After retirement in 1999, Don joined the Hamilton Fire Department where he was appointed Safety Officer. He retired with 53 years of fire service.

Don was also elected to the Wenham Planning Board for 2 terms, served on the Preservation Committee, WISSH, along with several other volunteer positions. He served a term as President of the Essex County Fire Chiefs. Don earned the title of Eagle Scout and was awarded the Silver Arrow.

Don's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, hosting barbeques and pool parties, long walks with his wife Sue and keeshond pups, quiet times reading and various outdoor activities.

In addition to his wife Sue, Don is survived by his son, Jeff and his wife Terri, grandsons Patrick and Justin, granddaughter Sadie and her husband Troy, 6 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Don is predeceased by his son Donald Jaques Killam, III.

His funeral service will be held at the First Church in Wenham, 1 Arbor Street, Wenham, on Thursday, May 7th, at 11:00am, followed by burial at Wenham Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Wednesday, May 6th from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Contributions may be made in Donald's memory to the Wenham Firemen's Relief Association, 140 Main Street, Wenham, MA 01984. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.