LEOMINSTER --- James A. Facey Jr., at 91 years of age, died peacefully in his home on February 22, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving and grateful family.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Leominster, born to James A Facey, Sr. and Bertha (Robinson) Facey. He is predeceased by his siblings, Priscilla Givens, Shirley Rouleau, and Thomas Facey. Growing up on a farm in North Leominster in the depression era, he worked in varying capacities from a young age, developing an enduring work ethic and strength of character.
Shortly after graduating from Leominster High School, he entered the US Navy and proudly served four formative years during the Korean conflict. He trained as an Aerographer aboard the carrier the USS Badoeng Strait and was honorably discharged from the service in 1952.
He married the love of his life, Nina Catalucci, in 1957 and soon four children followed. As a "hands on" dad, he was a Cub Scout leader, Little League coach and school project supervisor. The family home he cherished, the big white house at the top of the street, had an open door where all were welcomed.
Jim worked tirelessly his entire life, mostly as a carpenter by trade. With a keen eye for detail, he was a master of his craft. Later he worked as a production engineer at Bay State Plastics in Leominster. Lastly, as a residential property owner, Jim restored and maintained his homes in town. His vitality was as legendary as the Stetson hat he sported. He was an avid tinkerer, collector and inventor. He could fix anything. His hobbies included flying radio control airplanes, building model trains and collecting cars. He enjoyed singing, gardening, cooking and ice cream. The Italian dinners shared with his niece and nephews were a weekly highlight. But truly, nothing gave him more joy and purpose than being engaged in the activities and milestones of his entire extended family.
Jim will be dearly missed by his wife Nina, son James A. Facey III, and wife Liz, daughter Carol Facey-Holmes and husband Neil Holmes, son Joseph Facey and wife Debra, and daughter Melissa Secino and husband, Marty, and his in-laws, Lester Rouleau and Patricia Facey. His life was greatly enriched by his grandchildren, James IV, Hannah, Paxton, Jake, Alex, Kevin, Jason, Nicholas, Becca, Nina, and Cali. He was energized by the fourth generation, Jacob, Emma and Julius James. He leaves many nieces and nephews who contributed so much to the quality of his life.
Arrangements through Richardson Funeral Home 106 West St. Leominster are private, at Jim's request. A celebration of his life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leominster Veterans Association / VFW, or extend a helping hand to someone in need.
www.richardsonfuneralhome.net View the online memorial for James A. Facey

Published by Sentinel & Enterprise on Mar. 1, 2022.