Ret. Lt. Col. (USAF) James R. Repucci, age 79, of Milton, Florida, formerly of Austintown, Ohio and Mansfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Thongyoi (Seethep) Repucci, to whom he was wed for forty-eight years.
Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on April 10, 1947, he was a loving son of the late Gelino and Patricia (Ryan) Repucci.
Jim grew up in Mansfield, was a 1965 graduate of Mansfield High School and continued his education, graduating in 1969 with a BA in English from Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had made his home in Milton, Florida for the past four years and previously resided in Austintown, Ohio.
In November 1969, James entered active duty with the United States Air Force at Lackland AFB, Texas and was commissioned in the USAF in February of 1970. As a C-130 pilot assigned to the 39th Tactical Airlift Squadron, he flew more than 24 combat missions in Southeast Asia. James finished his Air Force career at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in 1994, serving as the 757th AS Flying Squadron Commander.
James's family, whom he loved dearly, always came first and were the essence of his life. He was truly a devoted husband, father and grandfather. A devout Catholic, he enjoyed attending Catholic Mass and reading scripture. He treasured being a mentor and soccer coach to the youth and always being there to help the poor and those in need. James's other hobbies included weightlifting, golf and playing chess.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his devoted children, Michelle R. Matthews of Boardman, Ohio, Andre J. Repucci and his wife Krystina of Winchester, Virginia and Vincent A. Repucci and his wife Karen of Acworth, Georgia. He was the proud and cherished grandfather of Vinny, Victor and Jasmine Matthews, Isabella and Francesco Repucci and Leo and Sophia Repucci. He was the dear brother of Joseph Repucci of Boyers, Pennsylvania, Angela Caldwell and her husband Bob of Norton, Peter Repucci of Oceano, California, Paul Repucci and his wife Esther of Oro Valley, Arizona and Eileen Miller and her husband Peter of Smithfield, Rhode Island. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, September 22nd from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 23rd at 11:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (Route 106), Mansfield. Burial, accompanied by military honors, will follow at 1:30 P.M. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
Due to the limitation of floral tributes allowed at the National Cemetery, please consider making a donation in James’s memory to Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, 8005 NW 316th Street, Gower, Missouri 64454.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com