James Melnick, age 66, of Hopkinton, formerly of Newton and Natick passed April 21, after a long illness. Son of the late Efim and Marie (Romanchuk) Melnick. Mr. Melnick was the founder and President of Melnick Electric Co., Inc. until his retirement. He was a Cub Master and the Warden of the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church of Boston in the 1970's. He was an avid gardener and an incredible cook. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. He loved spending time with his family and loved being a grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife Olga (Dzierewienko) of 43 wonderful years and his children, James and his wife Gina of Upton, Peter and his wife Karen of Connecticut and his daughter Marie of Hopkinton, his three grandchildren, Gabriella, William and Katherine; and three brothers; Michael of Sudbury, Paul of New Hampshire and Tom of California, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of late John Melnick. A calling hour will be held Thursday at 12:00PM in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland with a service at 1:00 PM followed by burial in Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton. Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 5:00-8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dana Farber/Brigham & Women's Cancer Center at Milford Regional Medical Center, 20 Prospect St. Milford, MA 01757