James R. Bartlett

James R. Bartlett obituary, Lynnfield, MA

James R. Bartlett

James Bartlett Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cota Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Dec. 10, 2025.
Surrounded by the love of his family, James Roy "Jim" Bartlett passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of kindness. He was born on August 18, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Roy Bartlett and Margaret (McCarthy) Bartlett. He grew up in Jamaica Plain with his older sister, Joyce, and younger sister, Jean, in a neighborhood where friendships lasted a lifetime and community meant everything. Those early values of loyalty, kindness, and hard work shaped the man he became.

At age 20, Jim married Regine "Jean" Izzi, and together they raised three children: Janine (born September 1964), James Anthony (born May 1966), and Sandra (born July 1969). In 1967, the family moved to Foxboro, Massachusetts, where they spent six years before making homes in Lincoln and Acton. Jim and Jean later divorced in 1977.

In 1978, Jim married Cynthia "Cindy" Jones, beginning a new and cherished chapter of his life. A year later, they moved to Lynnfield, Massachusetts, where they welcomed two children - Jay (born August 1979) and Melissa (born October 1982). Lynnfield was home for more than 40 years, filled with laughter, milestones, and good neighbors who became close friends. In 2023, Jim and Cindy moved into a nearby apartment, remaining part of the community they loved. Jim and Cindy shared a remarkable 47-year marriage, Cindy being the love of his life.

Jim began his career in 1965 as a draftsman and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Head of his Department at Raytheon Industries - a role that spoke to his talent, leadership, and dedication. During those early years, Jim also nurtured a passion for photography, working as a wedding photographer in his spare time - capturing joyful moments for others with the same care and attention to detail he brought to everything he did. He later joined Camera Stat Associates in Bedford, Massachusetts, before boldly stepping into entrepreneurship. In 1980, Jim co-founded ZBR, Inc. with partners Aaron Zohn, Hank Rosenblatt, and Les Boomhower. Under Jim's leadership as Vice President of Production, ZBR grew into a highly successful printing company throughout the 1980s and 1990s, serving major clients such as Digital Equipment Corporation and IBM. As technology shifted and print gave way to digital solutions, the company evolved into GlobalWare - a transformation driven by the same innovation and adaptability that defined Jim's career.

Outside of work, Jim lived for the people and passions that mattered most. A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, he cheered faithfully through every season. He loved coaching youth baseball and basketball and spent many happy summers on the field and in the gym with his son Jay's teams - teaching not just the game, but the importance of fun, effort, and sportsmanship.

His other great passion was spending summers at the family lake house in Barnstead, New Hampshire, a place filled with tradition and generations of memories. Jim was in his element there: waterskiing on the lake, fishing from the dock with his grandkids, raking the beach to perfection, and hosting barbecues for family and friends. The lake was where he felt most at peace - surrounded by laughter, nature, and the people he loved.

Jim was also a lifelong animal lover, a passion he shared with Cindy. Together, they cared for many dogs and cats over the years, and their family even kept horses in their barn, each one a beloved companion. Animals always trusted Jim - they seemed to know they were safe, valued, and part of the family with him and Cindy.

Nothing brought Jim more joy than his role as Papa, or "Grandpa Jim," to his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; his children Janine, James Anthony, Jay, and Melissa; his sister Joyce; and his eight grandchildren, who will forever carry his legacy forward: Peter Anthony, Nicholas, and Serena, children of Janine and her husband Peter; Isaiah, Nolan, and Hendrix, children of Jay and his wife Iris; and Sean and Henry, children of Melissa and her husband Joe.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Margaret Bartlett; his sister Jean and her husband Kevin; and his daughter Sandra, whom he missed dearly.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake Street, Peabody, MA 01960.

Jim's presence was a gift - whether he was sharing a meal, a laugh, or lending a hand to those in need. Though he is no longer with us, the impact of his kindness, devotion, and generosity will continue to live on in our hearts and stories. He will be missed dearly, and remembered always.

Flowers are not permitted. For those who wish to honor Jim's memory, donations to the Humane Society of the United States are greatly appreciated.
https:// www.humanesociety.org/donate

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Bartlett's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 12, 2026

Jody Dandridge posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2026

Jody Dandridge posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2025

David Harp posted to the memorial.

Jody Dandridge

January 12, 2026

I had no idea you left us. My heart is heavy my dear longtime friend. My sincere condolences to Cindy and all your children. Jim is the most kind, giving, and loyal friend a person could ask for. He had a heart of gold. His company ZBR Publications made me smile upon my first visit because I instantly felt the warmth of it like a had in my career at Digital Equipment Corporation. I remember being lead on a walk-through of ZBR and as Jim walked through the organization as we stopped at numerous areas, Jim knew every employee by name. I will deeply miss our phone conversations, and you Jim. My heart is heavy and hurts for Cindy and your children. Human beings don't come any better than Jim. Rest in Peace my dear longtime friend.

Jody Dandridge

January 12, 2026

I had no idea you had left us. My condolences to Cindy and your children. Jim is one of the kindest, most sincere people you'd ever meet. A great man with a heart of gold. His company ZBR Publications, later Globalware Solutions upon first visit instantly reminded me of a great company where people were truly valued and respected, similar to my years at Digital Equipment Corporation. I will truly miss Jim and our conversations and friendship we shared over the years. My heart hurts for Cindy and all family and friends to Jim.

David Harp

December 15, 2025

My sincere condolences go out to the Bartlett family on the passing of Jim.
Jim was one of the most kindest, caring and compassionate person I have ever met. The kindness that he extended to me, and my family at ZBR / GWS will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

He was truly a great man.

Rest in peace.


David Harp

Rudy Ogden

December 14, 2025

My Condolences to the entire Bartlett family. I interviewed with Jim for a part time position in 1980 and it turned into a life long career with his help and encouragement. He brought an entire group of people together to create a great and very special company. He was quite the task master, but the most generous person I have ever known.
Godspeed my friend

Bob Trevette

December 13, 2025

The first day l met Jim Bartlett was on a job interview. It was a tough but fair one and Jim told me he would " take a chance on me". My life changed that day. I will always remember him for that.

I think Jim helped a lot of people to make their own lives better. He was certainly a huge influence on a lot of young men, helping them to realize their potential.

Our condolences to Cindy and Jim Jr and the entire Bartlett family.

May you rest in peace

Bob and Kandi Trevette

Shelly Rushton

December 13, 2025

So sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. The family atmosphere he/we all built at ZBR will always be fondly remembered and measured against.

As a result, Jim was the man in my life that taught me my first waltz at a Christmas party and his company under his watch taught me the importance of watching the details in everything I do, the importance of work family, hard work, doing right by the clients always and that even when things look dark team effort and working hard for your work family will see you all through to the other side.

Most of my memories revolve around him and the work family he fostered. Holiday hugs and luncheons, summer gatherings, weddings, baby showers, and Christmas adult and kids parties! He was always there if you needed help. First one to help solve the problem with his network. I appreciate him for all the warmth he fostered in our crazy and a little difunctional work family!

Jim has been and will always be missed. Thanks Jim and his family for sharing so much of him. May he rest in peace.

Shelly (LaFramboise) Rushton
(aka Ruthie´s daughter lol)

David Crosby

December 13, 2025

To a person I always looked up to.

Chuck Duggan

December 13, 2025

My condolences to Cindy, Jim Jr and all of the Bartlett family. It saddens me to hear of Jim´s passing. Jim was a teacher and a mentor to me for the 20+ years I worked at ZBR/GWS. I will never forget Pride days at the Elks (with Jim pitching against the managers)
Breakfast with Santa´s when my children were young and all of the fund raisers that Jim ran and sponsored.

Jim was a kind and caring man and he will be missed.

Chuck and Darleen Duggan

Richard Langlois

December 13, 2025

We are so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Not only did we work side by side at ZBR, we were friends. We shared so many fond times together that will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with you Cindy and your family. Sincerely, Cherie&Dick Langlois

Judy Riessle

December 13, 2025

I was so sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Angie Demonceau (Gagnon)

December 13, 2025

I'd like to offer my sincere condolences to all of Jim's family. To Cindy, Jim Jr my heart goes out to all of you.

As you might recall I worked for Jim for so many years at ZBR and Globalware Solutions. Jim and Cindy attended my Wedding back in 1996. He had a kind generous side to him. I have seen him go above and beyond for some of the employees that worked for him. He went beyond more than what most employers would have done. I started ZBR when I was 17 years old. The opportunities I was given, helped shape my career in life. I had interacted with him frequently through the years. When it came to helping someone in need he was there to offer a helping hand. His son, Jim Junior worked for me in IT for a bit. It saddens me for all of his family and I just wanted all of you to know I was fortunate to have known him. My prayers go out to all of you. Best Regards Angie

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Cota Funeral Home & Cremation Service

335 Park Street, North Reading, MA 01864

Make a Donation
in James Bartlett's name

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Bartlett's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Bartlett's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 12, 2026

Jody Dandridge posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2026

Jody Dandridge posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2025

David Harp posted to the memorial.