James H. Truehart

ORANGE- James H. “Jim” Truehart, 81, of Hayden Street, died unexpectedly on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill at home.

Born in Athol on November 29, 1939, he was the son of the late Wilfred and Elizabeth “Bessie” Truehart and grew up in Athol, graduating from Athol High School in 1958.

Jim served in the United States Marine Corps as a military officer from 1959 until his honorable discharge in 1965.

In 1978, he married Barbara J. (Lawson) and enjoyed over 40 years together until her death on October 9, 2018.

Jim worked for the L. S. Starrett Company in Athol his entire career, retiring in 2001. He also was an auxiliary police officer for the Town of Athol, and delivered Meals on Wheels for over 10 years. In his younger years, Jim coached for Orange Little League.

Jim was a member and held offices including Chaplin at the former Athol-Orange Elks Lodge 1837, was a lifetime member of the Wheelerville Community Club and also a member of the Orange American Legion. Jim also participated in the first River Rat Race.

A kind hearted man who loved to joke, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching the New England Patriots and Red Sox, as well as playing cribbage and railroad pitch.

Survivors include his children, Steven Burnett (Cindy) of Phillipston, Bruce Burnett (Sheila) of Orange, and Lisa McBain (Bob) of Dalton; grandchildren, Ryan Burnett (Leigh) of Nashville, TN, Gregg Burnett (Keri) of Grafton, Amanda Ponusky (Tim) of Orange, Christopher Burnett of Shutesbury, Bethany McBain of Brighton, and Juli McBain of Dalton; great grandchildren, Cori Burnett, Gregg Burnett, Baily Burnett, Carter Burnett, Cali Burnett and Quinn Ponusky; a great, greatgrandson, Thatcher McCombs; a brother, Richard Truehart (Karen) of Athol; sisters, Shirley Gee (Tom) of Florida and Lois Smart of Georgia; and a dear friend, Julie Marcotte of Orange.

Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by brothers, Robert, Glen and Donald, and a sister, Carolyn Wright.

There are no calling hours.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 2, 2021 at 10 a.m. in South Cemetery, 585 South Main Street, Orange.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Orange American Legion, P.O. Box 172, Orange, MA 01364.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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