LACONIA ---- James ‘Jim’ Russell Ladieu, 73, of Laconia, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Jim was born in Laconia in 1951, to Francis and Mildred Ladieu, the youngest of five children.
He attended Laconia High School before becoming a mason, a trade in which he was both incredibly talented and immensely proud. His red work truck with red rims and Old English sheep dog sidekick, Keala, were well-known in town.
Those who knew Jim would undoubtedly attest not only to his sense of humor, but his mischievous nature and lifelong reputation for shenanigans. He was a racer of two-stroke motorcycles, a ski bum via ski instructor, a voracious reader, a master of the grill, a military history buff, an avid hiker, a NASCAR fan and the life of every party. But more than that, Jim was an adoring husband, a loving father, a wonderful father-in-law and the most loyal and kind-hearted friend you could have.
Later in life he became a lifetime member and loyal patron of the Laconia Rod & Gun Club, where he cultivated a community of friends whom he considered family. He loved a strong Bloody Mary, a game (or ten) of Keno and often won more than would fit in his freezer at Meat Bingo.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Francine, father Francis, mother Mildred and brother Bill. He is survived by his sister Eileen, brothers John and Richard (Dick), son Sage and wife Melissa, daughter Chandra and husband Josh, son Michael (Mike) and wife Stacey, daughter Kelley and fiancée Kenny, and eight grandchildren.
Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Laconia Rod & Gun Club, 358 S Main Street, Laconia, NH, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, beginning at 1:00pm. Casual dress is requested, as is the sharing of your favorite story of Jim-antics that created the man, the myth and the legend we all knew and loved.
At Jim’s request, his ashes will be spread at a later date in Yosemite National Park, where he often recalled his favorite memories of hiking and camping with Sage and Chandra.
For those who wish, donations in his name may be sent to the Laconia Rod & Gun Club so they may continue their community outreach endeavors and Sunday breakfasts that Jim hated to miss.
As Hunter S. Thompson wrote, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a ride!”
You had one hell of a ride, Jim. Thank you for the love and the memories. You are already sorely missed.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.