BRISTOL ---- James "Jim" Laauwe, 82, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, after a period of failing health.
He was born at Hackensack General Hospital in New Jersey on November 26,1943 to William and Sadie (Veldhuizen) Laauwe. He survived his first two weeks in an incubator, as many babies in the hospital died due to the 1943-1944 flu pandemic.
Jim spent his first 10 years in Ridgewood and Wycoff, NJ before moving to West Plymouth, NH, in 1953. He attended and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1961. Jim started his working career at a tool shop in Plymouth, before quickly moving on to IPC (Fredudenburg NOK), for 1 year before enlisting in the United States Air Force.
Jim was proud to spend 4 years serving his country, spending most of his time in Europe and the Mediterranean countries with a mobile radar unit. He spent his next 43 years in various positions at IPC, including the company's credit union, many sports teams and leagues, and enjoyed many lifelong friendships he made through the company. Before fully retiring, he joined the White Mountain Country Club maintenance staff for 10 years.
Jim spent time working with young children in various outdoor activities as a Jaycee. He was very active, playing softball for a coached IPC team in the Central Softball League for many years, basketball at the Bristol Community Center, Wednesday night bowling league at Meredith Lanes, flag football and golfing wherever and whenever he could.
In his retirement, Jim enjoyed woodworking, maintaining his and his family’s yards, and keeping up with family and friends. He traveled a great deal, spending 2 years "snowbirding" in Arizona with his wife, golfing, visiting casinos and spending time with dear friends. He fulfilled a lifelong dream at 80, parachuting with a fellow Air Force veteran at Skydive New England.
Jim was predeceased by his parents; 2 siblings, William "Bill" Laauwe, sister Marilyn; and brother-in-law Robert Patterson; and nieces Marie (Patterson) Reed and Shirley (Patterson) Freeman. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ann Marie (St. Arnauld) Laauwe; daughters Irene (Tim) Thacker, of Alta Vista VA, Jeanette (Gary) Short, of Gretna VA, Amy (Adam) Boynton, of Laconia, NH, and Kristopher Laauwe, of Laconia; 9 favorite grandchildren and 4 most favorite great-grandchildren, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Jim was the greatest example of fellowship and goodwill. He will be greatly and exceptionally missed and so fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Special thanks to friends Christine Rivera, Stacie Laauwe, and Live Free Home Healthcare staff for providing companionship during his final years. Also, a special thanks to the Lakes Region Visiting Nurses Association for their care, tenderness and expertise during his final days.
A Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Rumney Baptist Church, 375 Main St, Rumney, NH, with a celebration of life with light refreshments to follow in the church's annex.
Interment will be held at a later date at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund, 300 Prosperity Farms Rd. Unit F, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.
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 wilkinsonbeane.com.