LaCroix, James Douglas died on Saturday, February 18, 2023. He was the dearly loved son of the late Arthur and Marjorie LaCroix. Jim is survived by his loving sisters Jeannine L. Mara and her husband John of Avon, CT, Suzanne L Vreeland and her husband John of Hingham, MA. and sister in law, Kim LaCroix of Laguna Niguel, CA. He was predeceased by his his late brother Steven A. LaCroix.
Uncle to Kaitlin, Megan, Eric, Krista, Matthew, Stephanie. Great Uncle to Penelope, Ryland, Olivia, Rex, Lyla and Isabel.
James (Jimmy) was born on March 24, 1965 with Down Syndrome. Despite the doctors recommendation for permanent institutional care, his parents Marge and Art decided that Jim's place was with them and his three siblings. With their love and support, Jimmy thrived. He learned how to swim the width of an Olympic size pool at age three, and could row a small boat by age 5. Jim was enrolled in the Charles River Workshop at age five to begin his formal education. He continued his education at Mitchell Elementary School. He went on to attend and graduate from Needham High School in a special education program, and was a member of the NHS Varsity Swim Team. His favorite stroke was the butterfly.
Upon graduation, he was accepted into a two year vocational technical program at Minuteman in Lexington, and upon its completion was hired by Boston College where he was employed for 30 years in jobs including the Linen Service, Dining Services, and Grounds and Landscaping.
Jim lived in a wonderful Specialized Housing residence in Brookline, along with nine other exceptional working adults for those thirty years and they became his "family away from family". He attended church regularly and navigated Boston and beyond by MTA, bus, or walking. Jim enjoyed everything outdoors, especially biking along the Cape Cod Canal, and skiing, most often at Stratton Mt. where he skied confidently down the blue square trail, and on a non-icy day, the black diamonds.
In 2019, after a diagnosis of early Alzheimer's, Jim moved to a new home in Waltham run by Beaverbrook STEP where he received the increased care he needed by a committed and most compassionate staff.
After retiring from BC, Jim attended a wonderful day program at The Price Center in Newton transitioning to the Day Habilitation section as his Alzheimer's progressed, where an attentive and devoted staff kept him engaged.
Jimmy's most notable traits were his upbeat, happy personality and his desire to help people. He loved to sing and dance. He knew everyone, and everyone knew him.
Jimmy lived a full and accomplished life and family and friends will miss him greatly.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Jim's life will be held at St. Joseph's Church, 1382 Highland Ave, Needham at 11:00 am on Friday, February 24, 2023, followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, 1 Wellesley Ave, Needham. Relatives and friends kindly invited.