James Daniel Diffenbacher, age 66, of Dracut, Massachusetts, passed away on January 18, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Diane Diffenbacher, and his sister-in-law Theresa Casey.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Linda Diffenbacher, and his beloved twin sons, Ryan Diffenbacher and Derek Diffenbacher. He also leaves behind Ryan's fiancée, Ashley Madison, his cherished granddaughter Kendall Diffenbacher, and grandson Jackson Pagones.
James is further survived by his sisters: Jeanne Maciejewski and her husband Brian Maciejewski; Janice McBride; Joyce Diffenbacher and her partner Fred Sullenburger; Heidi Bennett and her husband Alec Bennett; and Brenda Babcock and her husband Mark Babcock. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Debra Semeraro and her husband Tom Semeraro, and his brother-in-law Kevin McElearney and his wife Anne McElearney, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who loved him dearly.
James was known as the king of dad jokes and never missed an opportunity to make others laugh. He loved hosting family parties, enjoyed playing the lottery, and treasured his "Papa time" with his grandchildren. He also had a deep love of poetry, often finding meaning, comfort, and expression through written words. Above all, James took immense pride in being the devoted caregiver to his son Derek, who has cerebral palsy—a role he fulfilled with unwavering love, patience, and strength.
James also deeply cherished the time he spent with his neighborhood clan—friends who became family and knew him best. He especially enjoyed the laughter, conversations, and memories shared with Andy and Linda Oullette, Joe and Ida Sousa, and Joey and Daniela Sidelinger, whose friendships meant the world to him.
James will be remembered for his humor, generosity, compassion, and deep dedication to family. His love lives on in all who knew him.
"I'll love you forever, ditto."
A celebration of life will be announced by his family at a later date.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Diane Diffenbacher, and his sister-in-law Theresa Casey.
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Linda Diffenbacher, and his beloved twin sons, Ryan Diffenbacher and Derek Diffenbacher. He also leaves behind Ryan's fiancée, Ashley Madison, his cherished granddaughter Kendall Diffenbacher, and grandson Jackson Pagones.
James is further survived by his sisters: Jeanne Maciejewski and her husband Brian Maciejewski; Janice McBride; Joyce Diffenbacher and her partner Fred Sullenburger; Heidi Bennett and her husband Alec Bennett; and Brenda Babcock and her husband Mark Babcock. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Debra Semeraro and her husband Tom Semeraro, and his brother-in-law Kevin McElearney and his wife Anne McElearney, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who loved him dearly.
James was known as the king of dad jokes and never missed an opportunity to make others laugh. He loved hosting family parties, enjoyed playing the lottery, and treasured his "Papa time" with his grandchildren. He also had a deep love of poetry, often finding meaning, comfort, and expression through written words. Above all, James took immense pride in being the devoted caregiver to his son Derek, who has cerebral palsy—a role he fulfilled with unwavering love, patience, and strength.
James also deeply cherished the time he spent with his neighborhood clan—friends who became family and knew him best. He especially enjoyed the laughter, conversations, and memories shared with Andy and Linda Oullette, Joe and Ida Sousa, and Joey and Daniela Sidelinger, whose friendships meant the world to him.
James will be remembered for his humor, generosity, compassion, and deep dedication to family. His love lives on in all who knew him.
"I'll love you forever, ditto."
A celebration of life will be announced by his family at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Daniel Diffenbacher, please visit our flower store.
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