James M. Carpenter Jr.

James Michael Carpenter Jr., known affectionately as Jimmy, joined the ancestors on June 24th, 2024 at the age of 61 in Ormond Beach, Florida due to a heart attack. Born on July 5th, 1962 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Jimmy spent his formative years in the Auburn Public School system later graduating from St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Mass. He pursued higher education at Worcester State University, and earned a bachelor's degree from Nichols in Dudley, Mass. followed by work on a master's degree at Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass.

Jimmy dedicated many years of service to Leicester Savings Bank until his disability. His true passion however lay beyond the confines of his professional life. A devoted family man first and foremost, Jimmy's love for his wife, children and extended family knew no bounds. His second passion was music ranging from rock & roll to opera, but he had a special place in his heart for Irish music which he performed with a natural brogue particularly during his time with the "Celtic Pirates" alongside his brother Sean. Jimmy's Irish heritage was a source of immense pride and joy deeply influencing his music and personal ethos.  His love of music was ever present in his work for Sober in the Sun. 

Jimmy was an amazing person who loved to brighten people's moods and enjoy life sitting on the porch with a soda in one hand and a cigar in the other.  All those hot days when everyone else was inside you would find him outside just living his best life. Jimmy had a wicked sense of humor which he loved sharing with family and friends.

Many people knew that Jim and Crystal have spent close to 3 years traveling in a converted purple school bus. Jimmy loved that life and enjoyed meeting strangers that ultimately became friends. His favorite place to be was Florida, which he did not want to leave. He was enamored with all the birds and the heat. His favorite thing was to sit outside and watch and listen.  

Jimmy was a lifelong sports fanatic. Growing up with seven younger brothers it was the logical thing to do. Hockey was and continues to be the sport of choice for Jim and the boys. Jimmy was a Boston sports fan especially the Red Sox. Jimmy loved listening to WEEI sports Radio, never calling in himself but arguing with the radio.

Known as the "cat whisperer" Jimmy had a remarkable ability to connect with animals, a testament to his gentle spirit and kind heart. He loved all animals but especially all his cats.  There was a large crowd waiting for him when he got to the rainbow bridge.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 30 of nearly 30 years Crystal Anne (Lussier); children Jeanna Marion (Chris) and Todd Levasseur (Kayliegh); brothers Michael (Amy), Ed (Elaine), George (Lisa), Chris (Melissa), Tim (Bridget), Paul (Kelley), and Sean (Lisa); his grandchildren Rayne, Hunter, Nathan, and Mystic who meant the world to him; his great-grandchildren Gable and Johan who were a joy to him.  Jim is also survived by his wonderful Godmother Anne (McNally) Foley. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father James M. Carpenter, mother Elizabeth "Betsy" (McNally) Carpenter and sister-in-law Elaine (Babineau) Carpenter.

Services to honor Jimmy's life will begin with a wake on Friday, July 12th, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be held Saturday, July 13th with a Mass at 10 a.m. in North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Dr., Auburn.

Any contributions may be made to your local pet shelter honoring Jimmy's love for animals or to The Alzheimer's Assoc. Jimmy's legacy of warmth music and familiar family devotion will resonate deeply within the community and among all who knew him.