LEICESTER: James J. Coughlin,55, of 186 River Street, in the Rochdale
section of Leicester, died Saturday, Dec. 22 after a long and courageous
battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Jim leaves his high school sweet heart, his sole mate, his wife of 36
years, Aleta I. (Cutler) Coughlin, two sons Brad J. Coughlin of Worcester
and Todd M. Coughlin of No. Oxford, a grandson Chad James Coughlin of
Southbridge, and his brother Daniel Coughlin and his wife Faye of San
Antonio, Tx.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of Daniel E. and Claire A. (Perry)
Coughlin, III. He grew up in Leicester and graduated from Leicester High in
1969. Shortly after High School, he started his career with the Leicester
Highway Dept., first as a mechanic, then as foreman and finally in 1983
becoming the youngest Highway Superintendent in Massachusetts at age 32.
During his career, Jim was treasurer of the Mass. Highway Assoc., served on
the committee to build the new Police Station, worked to help renovate the
Rochdale Athletic Field, and was involved in many community projects.
Jim possessed a true love of life and his interests and hobbies were
endless. He was a member of the Leicester Rod and Gun Club and the NRA. Jim
loved to hunt both birds and deer and especially enjoyed fishing at Stiles
Reservoir where he grew up and then on to the Quabbin, Lake Winnepesaukee,
Lake George, Maine, and Onset where he had his boat the "Elmer Fud", and
finally as a traveler in Biloxi, Miss., and Key West, Fla. He was a member
of the Leicester Golf League, Leicester Snowmobile Club and the Leicester
Tourquers Car Club. Jim restored a 1955 Chevy which he proudly displayed at
the Summer Nationals in Worcester. He loved vacations with his family and
friends, camping, road trips and Old Orchard Beach. His last and greatest
dream was building a cabin in Northern Vermont, an area he and Aleta had
come to love and adopt as their second home.
Jim lived a life of no regrets having chased every dream and celebrated
every moment.
Special thanks for the wonderful and compassionate care given by his nurses
Michael LeClaire and Leah.
The funeral for Jim will be held on Thursday, December 27 from the
MORIN-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a Mass at 10a.m.
in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main St., Leicester. Burial will follow in St.
Joseph's Cemetery, Leicester. Calling hours are Wednesday, Dec. 26 from 4 to
7p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to V.N.A. Care Network,
120 Thomas St., Worcester, Ma. 01608.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------