Worcester - James W. Nolan, Jr., 60, of Windsor Locks, Ct., and formerly of Worcester and Oxford, Ma., passed away peacefully Tuesday October 27, 2026 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center – University Campus, Worcester
James is survived by his wife of 27 years, Donna Toukonen – Nolan, his children, James III, predeceased by his daughter, Stephanie, Nicole and Cyrille, Jessica and Antonio, Meaghan, and Cristian, four granddaughters, Isabella, Emma, Arya and Irina, his “adopted daughters” Emily Sexton and Ebony Blash, two sisters, Bridget Ramos ( her predeceased husband, Lucas) and Heather Germain, two brothers, Sean Nolan and Peter Nolan, his sister in law, Sonia Nolan wife of his predeceased brother, Cristian Nolan and nieces and nephews including Corey Nolan. James was born in Northbridge, a son of the late James W and Marie C (West) Nolan. He graduated from Burncoat High School.
Mr. James Nolan was a professional truck driver for many years. Before pursuing a career in trucking, James worked as a paramedic for AMR in Worcester. Throughout his life, he was deeply dedicated to serving others and his community. He spent many years serving neighboring communities in various roles, including police officer, firefighter, and paramedic. Helping others was more than just a job to James; it was simply who he was.
When James wasn't busy working hard to help others, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. In his younger years, he enjoyed scuba diving and even served as an instructor. Whether through his career or personal interests, James always loved sharing his knowledge, experiences, and passion with others. He also enjoyed fishing with his family (even those who were a little too afraid to touch the fish!), watching sci-fi and western movies, spending time with his dogs, and flying his drones, even when they occasionally ended up stuck in a tree or on top of the house.
Above all else, James loved his family and friends. He was the person you could always count on, no matter the time or circumstance. If someone needed him, he answered the call without hesitation. He treasured the friendships he built throughout his life, including those with Chris, Mary, John, Bruce, and Mark, among so many others.
James spent many years coaching his children's soccer teams and was always finding ways to bring his family and friends together. Whether it was a spontaneous cookout or a holiday meal, he loved creating opportunities to spend time with the people who meant the most to him. Not a summer will go by without his family missing those last-minute cookout plans and the memories made around the table.
One of James's greatest joys was being a grandfather. He was the best Grandpa, always making sure his granddaughters knew just how special, cherished, and loved they were. He had a way of making the people in his life feel important and cared for. James was the heart of his family, a friend who could always be counted on, and someone whose presence made life a little brighter. His love, generosity, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be missed more than words can express, every single day.
A service will be held on Sunday November 8, 2026 with memorial visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM concluding with a Memorial Service at 4:00 PM in DIRSA MORIN MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 298 Grafton Street, Worcester.
To share a condolence and sign his guestbook please visit www.MarchandMemorialHomes.com Marchand Memorial Homes is honored to be assisting the Nolan family with the service arrangements.