Life Before Incarceration

Jimmy Rodwell was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 3, 1955, into a loving and tight-knit Italian-American family. The second of five siblings and the first son, Jimmy grew up surrounded by the warmth and affection of a large extended family. With countless aunts, uncles, and cousins, his upbringing was steeped in tradition and love, rooted in the cultural vibrancy of Boston’s North End and South Boston.

Jimmy’s father, “Jack,” was half-Italian and raised in Boston's North End, and he instilled a sense of hard work and discipline in his children. Weekend visits to his grandmother's house left a lasting impression on Jimmy. Watching his Nana cook, he learned traditional Italian recipes and developed a lifelong passion for cooking. His grandmother’s close connections with local restaurant owners, including those at the famed Pizzeria Regina, made dining out a memorable and cherished experience.

Jimmy’s mother, “Carolyn,” a full-blooded Italian raised in South Boston, came from an intellectually accomplished family. Her father, James Guaragna, and her brother, Louis Guaragna, were both attorneys. She was also an excellent cook, further enriching Jimmy's culinary journey. Although his parents were academically inclined—his father holding a master’s degree in business—Jimmy charted his path. Engineering and law weren’t his passions, so he pursued a career in construction, enjoying the tangible satisfaction of working with his hands.

At the age of 23, Jimmy married his high school sweetheart, but their young age and diverging paths led to the marriage ending. Both their families had relocated to Burlington, Massachusetts, a small town where Jimmy enjoyed a close-knit community. During this time, he successfully ran his own roofing and siding business and worked for the Boston and Maine Railroad, where he gained valuable skills and camaraderie among his coworkers.

Later, Jimmy worked at a nightclub outside of Boston, checking IDs at the door. On the night of the grand opening, his life took an unexpected turn when three men approached him with a warrant for his arrest. Accused of murder, Jimmy was stunned and adamant that it was a mistake. This moment marked the beginning of a life-altering ordeal that remains to this day.

Life During Incarceration

Following his arrest, Jimmy was taken to the Somerville police station, where even the officers, including a longtime acquaintance named Louie, were shocked by the charges. Tommy, who had known Jimmy through his work in town, expressed disbelief at the allegations. For over 43 years and seven months, Tommy and another friend, Louie, would continue to support Jimmy unwaveringly.

Jimmy’s faith in God and the steadfast support of his family became his pillars of strength. Despite the shock and heartbreak of his conviction, Jimmy remained determined to survive. At the age of 24, he was sent to Walpole State Prison, one of the most violent prisons in the country at the time. It was a terrifying place, but Jimmy relied on the self-defense skills his father had taught him. During a Thanksgiving visit shortly after his sentencing, a family friend assured Jimmy’s father that he would keep an eye out for Jimmy within the prison walls.

Even amidst the chaos and violence—marked by events like a murder during lunch in the maximum-security section—Jimmy remained focused on self-improvement. Encouraged by Ronnie and others, he sought education and practical skills. In 1982, Jimmy earned his barber license, a significant achievement that made his family proud.

Jimmy Rodwell’s journey took a pivotal turn in July 1984 when he was transferred from Walpole State Prison to NCCI Gardner. Armed with the knowledge and mentorship he had gained from befriending Professor Douglas, Dr. Nader, and attorney Gerstein, Jimmy carried forward his determination to not only survive but thrive under the harsh realities of incarceration.

At NCCI Gardner, Jimmy became an integral part of Project Wakeup, a groundbreaking initiative created by inmates to educate and inspire local youth. The program invited high school students from surrounding towns to hear firsthand accounts about the consequences of drug use, gang involvement, DUI offenses, and peer pressure. As a facilitator, Jimmy shared the harsh realities of prison life, particularly as an innocent man, while also addressing the students about the importance of making better choices. The program expanded to include discussions with college students and criminal justice classes, providing a raw and impactful perspective on prison life.

Building on this momentum, Jimmy has continued his passion for mentoring through his work in the BRAVE Unit (Building Responsible Adults Through Validation and Education) at NCCI Gardner. His role in the unit involves helping inmates prepare for reintegration into society, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical tools to build better futures for themselves and their families. Seeing his mentees released and thriving is one of the most gratifying aspects of his life behind bars.

In 2010, Jimmy’s life was further enriched when he was introduced to his attorney, Veronica White. Over the past 15 years, Veronica has not only become a relentless advocate for his case but also a trusted mentor and an honorary member of his family. Her unwavering tenacity and dedication have provided Jimmy with the strength and confidence to keep fighting for justice. Jimmy credits much of his personal growth during this time to Veronica’s influence.

Family remains a cornerstone of Jimmy’s life. Although his parents have recently passed away, their presence is deeply felt in his daily prayers and frequent phone calls with loved ones. Their enduring support and the strength of his family connections have been his lifeline throughout his incarceration.

In a significant step toward justice, on November 1, Attorney White filed a clemency petition on Jimmy’s behalf. This monumental effort is a testament to the tireless advocacy and faith that have carried him through decades of adversity. As he awaits the outcome, Jimmy continues to pray and asks for the prayers of others to guide him through this chapter of his journey.

It was nearly eleven when I started to return.  The night was unexpectedly dark; to me, walking out of the lighted passage of my cousins' house, it seemed indeed black, and it was as hot and close as the day.  Overhead the clouds were driving fast, albeit not a breath stirred the shrubs about us.  My cousins' man lit both lamps.  Happily, I knew the road intimately.  My wife stood in the light of the doorway, and watched me until I jumped up into the dog cart.  Then abruptly she turned and went in, leaving my cousins side by side wishing me good hap.