James L. Lucier

WORCESTER – James L. Lucier, affectionately known as Jim, Jimmy, and Slim, 84, formerly of Millbury, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in Worcester.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 63 years, Barbara H. (Tebo) Lucier; three sons, John Lucier and his wife Melissa, Christopher Lucier of DeLand, Florida, and Matthew Lucier and his wife Melissa of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two sisters, Susan Evans and her husband John and Judith Hannum; and his brother, Daniel W. Lucier. Jim was blessed with six grandchildren: Matthew, Joseph, Julia, Montana, Xavier, Alexis, and four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Hudson, Theodore, and Violet.

He was predeceased by his brothers Leonard Woodward, Albert Lucier, Walter Lucier, Kenneth Lucier, and his sister, Celeste Gilchrist.

Born in Grafton, Massachusetts, to the late Alexis P. and Mary E. (Sampson) Lucier, Jim graduated from Grafton High School in 1959. He began his career as a machinist, a trade perfectly suited to his patience, precision, and strong work ethic, and later worked for the Narragansett School District until his retirement. In 2000 Jim and Barbara traded snow shovels for sunshine and moved to The Villages, Florida, where they embraced a life filled with golf, laughter, and countless gatherings with friends old and new.

Jim had a gift for making people laugh. He loved a good joke and was often the one telling it, always ready to brighten someone’s day. He brought that same enthusiasm to everything he touched, whether planning Knights of Columbus gatherings, running golf events, or firing up the grill for a cookout.

A proud graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s clambake course, Jim earned the coveted title of “MasterBaker.” His clambakes became family traditions and neighborhood events complete with hot rocks, seaweed, Ma’s Chowder, Barbara’s clam cakes, seafood, storytelling, laughter, and enough butter to alarm a cardiologist. He loved shellfishing in Rhode Island and could often be found knee-deep in the water, rake in hand, chasing quahogs with the same determination he brought to every part of life.

Jim treasured time with family and took pride in bringing people together around food, conversation, and laughter. He was deeply proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and formed lifelong ties with his nieces and nephews who were family in every sense of the word. He never met a stranger and rarely went anywhere without finding a friend. Whether sharing a smile or telling a story, Jim had a way of making everyone feel special and welcome. His love extended throughout his family and circle of friends, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He loved golf, especially the camaraderie found at the “19th hole” and enjoyed discovering favorite local restaurants, particularly Essex Seafood Two. Jim also loved music of all kinds, including Neil Diamond and The Ink Spots. Many mornings began with a cup of coffee and the newspaper, and he never turned down a dish of banana split ice cream. He was an avid college basketball fan and could often be found searching for the next big game alongside his longtime friend and accomplice, Franny. Many stories were told, and many more likely untold, from their adventures together.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living & Long Term Care Center for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion during Jim’s final years.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, May 15th, from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. at Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

His Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. in St. James Church of the Our Lady of Hope Parish, 89 Main Street, South Grafton, with burial following at Fairview Cemetery.

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If you wish to send flowers to these services, Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly for better value and selection.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com