James Joseph LaPierre

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Joseph LaPierre who passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 66 years old. Jim, Jimmy or Big Jim, as he was fondly known, was born on July 5, 1958, in Boston, MA. He spent his early years in Hull, MA where he developed a lifelong affinity for Nantasket Beach.  After moving to Middleboro MA in 1972 he graduated from Middleboro High School and began his many adventures.

He graduated from the Harry S. Lundeberg School of Seamanship as an Able-Bodied Seaman and embarked on a journey that would take him to exotic places such as Saipan, Azerbaijan and Reykjavik among others.  He was most proud of his time at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute when he served as the Mess Attendant for Bob Ballard on the Atlantis II during the expeditions to locate the Titanic.  After returning to Middleboro to settle down with his longtime partner, companion and best friend, Kathy Bourne, he obtained a degree in Radio and Television from New England Technical Institute. He spent many years as a DJ on radio stations such as WSNE and WCTK (Cat Country) and had his own business providing DJ services for special occasions. 

Jim was a larger-than-life presence in the lives of so many people.  He considered himself a pretty rugged guy, but he actually had a soft heart and a love of cats. He leaves behind his beloved kitties, Honey, Baby Girl and Daisy.  Jim was the life of the party. He had a quirky sense of humor and a sharp wit and was an exceptional storyteller.  He loved playing guitar and regaling people with stories of his various adventures.   Jim was an adventurer at heart, even when he was no longer able to actually get out and travel. His journey took him through many countries and cultures, and he left an indelible mark on those who knew him. His struggles and pain are over, and he can finally rest in peace. 

Jim is survived by his partner and love of 40 years, Kathy L. Bourne.  He is also survived by his sisters Yvette Lima and Michelle Donovan and her husband Brian and his brother Steven LaPierre and his wife Wendy as well as by nieces and nephews, Jessica Eaton and her husband Steven, Melissa Lima, Harrison LaPierre, Cameron LaPierre and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Gladys LaPierre, his grandparents and his best friend, and “brother in-law” David Bourne.

A secular celebration of Jim’s life will be held on April 26, 2025, at 29 Elm Street, Middleboro, MA at 1:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Heart Association, Alley Cat Allies or the MSPCA in James LaPierre's memory. 

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