James Tufts, III

LEESBURG, FL – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Keltie Tufts, III, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by the loving arms of his family on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the age of 92 years. He had a birthday celebration just days earlier on May 28th and enjoyed every minute of it. He now rests in the loving arms of our creator, Lord Jesus Christ, in eternal peace.

Born at the former Fairlawn Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts, Keltie spent his childhood years in Worcester and Westboro, Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his parents, James K. Tufts, Jr. and Florence (McCrohon) Tufts and his beloved sister, Nancy Farrow. He met and married the love of his life, Frances (Dubickas) in 1963. Together, they began their married life in Quinsigamond Village in Worcester, before settling in Millbury, MA where they lived until Frances’ passing in 2020. Keltie and Frances had three daughters: (youngest daughter and caregiver) Elizabeth Pratt and her husband, Robert of Leesburg, FL; (middle daughter) Mary Herriage (deceased) and her husband, James of Dudley, MA and (oldest daughter) Anniemarie Stiffler of Dover-Foxcroft, ME. He also leaves behind five grandsons and a cherished granddaughter as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a proud bearer of his namesake and truly loved his immediate and extended family members.

Keltie departed from high school in 1953 and joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. He returned to school and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School. In his professional career, he worked as a manufacturing engineer with Neles-Jamesbury Corporation in Shrewsbury. After deciding to pursue his degree, he graduated from Central New England College in 1987 at the age of 53 years – making his entire family proud of him.

He was a Life Member of the Masons and achieved the level of Master Mason in both 1990 and 1997. He was also a dedicated and faithful parishioner of St. Brigid Church in Millbury, where he served the church in many roles including lector, Eucharistic minister and as a CCD teacher for many years.

Besides spending time with his family, Keltie enjoyed range shooting, fishing, canoeing, bicycling and golfing. He loved time spent with his daughters partaking in these hobbies. He also enjoyed wood carving, working on crossword puzzles and playing the harmonica. He will be remembered as a faithful, kind, generous and loving man, who will be missed by his family and friends.

Mulhane Home for Funerals managed the services, where Brothers of the Boylston Lodge Masons performed a ceremony with traditions and paid their final respects. Cemetery services included Military Honors. Burial was private at St. Brigid Cemetery where he was laid in his final resting place alongside his dear wife Frances of 56 years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the 

Veteran’s Administration, 59 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605