James R. LaCroix

ORANGE- James Ralph LaCroix, (62) of Orange, Massachusetts, was freed of all illnesses on June 29, 2023, passing away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jim was born to George and Yvette LaCroix on August 23, 1960 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Robin (Ryder) LaCroix; his five children, Vanessa Wilson and her husband David, Jenna LaCroix, Coady LaCroix and fiancé, Sarah Flower, Rhonda Jobst and husband Dane, Jesse LaCroix and partner, Amanda Pires. He is also survived by his mother, Yvette LaCroix; brother, George LaCroix; in-laws, several nieces, cousins and other family members. Jim leaves behind his granddaughters Penelope and Francesca Jobst;  grandsons Bryce Plourde-Johnson and Oliver Plourde; and great grandson, Joseph Johnson. 

Jim, or “Big Jim” as most knew him, attended Ralph C Mahar in Orange, MA., received his GED in 1981 and owned a business, J & J drywall. He helped build people’s dream homes until 2008 when he was stricken ill. He was an avid part of his children’s sports teams, dedicating several years of his life to The Orange Little League as a coach and later taking care of the maintenance of the fields. 

Jim was greeted on the other side by his father George LaCroix who passed away in 1971, several close relatives and his loyal companions over the years - Tyson, Rascal, Rusty & grand puppy, Bruno. 

We just wanted to take the time and thank our entire community for the love and support over the years since Jim became sick. He truly loved this community and all of his friends he met and kept all these years. He enjoyed watching the Silver Lake Softball League every Sunday where he was recently honored by the Herrick's team as they now wear his initials on their jerseys.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you become an organ donor if you are not one already. A selfless organ donor saved Jim's life in 2016 and gave us an additional 7 years of memories with him. 

There will be no calling hours.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 8th 2023 at 10 am at Saint Mary’s Church, 19 Congress Street, Orange. A private burial for family only will follow.

Guests are invited to attend a celebration of life at The Ellinwood Country Club, 1928 Pleasant Street, in Athol, from 12-5 PM. 

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

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James R. LaCroix, please visit our floral store.