James Michael Shugrue, 92, was called home to heaven by Jesus on August 16th, 2018. James leaves his faithful wife of 68 years, Kathleen Theresa (Donohue) Shugrue. He also leaves four children, Catherine E. Shugrue, Margaret M. Shugrue and her husband, Richard D. LaCroix, Dianne T. Shugrue and her husband, Laurence E. Kelly and Retired Worcester Police Lieutenant James M. Shugrue, Jr. and his wife, Lisa K. Shugrue. James was predeceased by his youngest child, Mary Elizabeth Shugrue, his mother and father, Patrick and Nellie (Foley) Shugrue and his three older brothers, Francis, William and John.
Papa also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Jessica Johnson and her husband Paul, Carolyn Shea and her husband Paul, Deirdre Legaset, Allison LaCroix and her partner George DellaRose, Charles LaCroix and his fiancé Keri Johnson, Samantha LaCroix and her partner Arbin Lopez, Madison Shugrue and her fiancé Corey Grenier, Sklyer Shugrue, Chloe Shugrue, Kathleen Kelly, Devin Kelly and his wife Heidi, Nicole Murphy and her husband Patrick. He leaves his great grandchildren, Amanda Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Patrick Shea, James Shea, Catherine Shea, Noah Legasey, Crew DellaRose and Kailani Lopez. James leaves his “adopted” daughter, Karen Hippert and his goddaughter, Patricia Shugrue-LaCross and many nieces, nephews and cousins. As well as relatives in Ireland.
James was born in the Green Island section of Worcester. Except for his time serving in the United States Army Air Corps during the Asiatic Campaign, he lived his entire life in Worcester. He attended St. John’s High School and Quinsigamond Community College.
Mr. Shugrue was an Army Veteran of World War II serving in the Philippine Islands, the Occupation of Japan and in Korea.
He was a member of the Worcester Police Department for 32 years. He began his career in the Foot and Motor Patrol Division, ultimately retiring as a detective in the Juvenile Division. He was proud to wear the WPD uniform and had the honor of carrying badge number Lucky 13.
Mr. Shugrue was a member of the American Legion, a member and past Assistant Commander of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Vernon Hill Post 435 and a past Vice Commander of the Joseph Cherry American Vets Post #105. He was active in the Worcester Police Relief Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Worcester Patrolman Union Local #378, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, and was past president of the St. Michael’s Arch Angel Guild of the Worcester Police Department.
He was a devoted member of the Immaculate Conception Parish for the past 68 years, where he previously served as a Eucharistic Minister. While Culpepper’s Bakery has lost a loyal customer, Jim would like to let everyone know that his work here is done. His new job takes him to heaven where he will listen to Irish music, say the rosary, give out dollar bills, read the newspaper, drink tea and eat cookies with his beloved daughter Mary and his mother and father. He has left instructions for his family to carry on, and to “Always remember who you are and where you came from.”
His funeral is Monday, August 20th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, August 19th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Mary E. Shugrue Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Peter- Marian High School, 781 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01606.