James T. Doucette

James T. Doucette, 87, of Methuen, passed away Thursday, February 5, 2026, following a short illness, at Merrimack Valley Health Haverhill Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Reading, MA, and was the son of the late Joseph and Gertrude (Amirault) Doucette.

Tom was raised and educated in Reading. He was an auto body mechanic who owned and operated JTD Auto Body, and in his later years, he worked as a freelancer in the scrap metal industry. Tom was born a problem solver, who was gifted with an extraordinary mechanical mind. He saw challenges not as obstacles, but rather as opportunities to understand, build, and improve. He had the kind of mind that saw through problems instantly, the kind that instinctively understood how things worked and how they could work better. What he didn't learn in a classroom, he taught himself through effort and persistence. And what he learned, he passed on to those around him. His legacy isn't a title or a degree, but rather the lasting impact that resulted from his work. For those wanting to learn the foundations of hands-on skills, a new perspective of thinking was gained by being able to observe Tom do what he did best.

Tom lived a life defined by hard work, and genuine devotion to the people he loved most. Throughout every chapter of his life, he showed up and left an imprint on anyone lucky enough to know him. To the world, he was many things, but to his closest family, he will always be remembered as Dad, Papa, Grandpa, and Uncle Tommy. Names like these hold a lifetime of memories, lessons, and love. Though he may be gone from our sight, he will never be gone from our lives. He will forever live in our hearts.

Tom held a special place in his heart for all the animals he had throughout his life.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Jewett and Shirley Angelini, and his grandson, J.T. Doucette III.

Tom is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margaret (Hoyle) Doucette of Methuen; his children, James T. Doucette Jr. and his wife Lisa of Methuen, Cheryl Husson of Atkinson, NH, Eric Doucette and his wife Heidi of Reading, MA, and Pamela Babb of North Plainfield, NJ; his siblings, Joseph Doucette of Delaware, Jean Cox of North Reading, MA, Marguerite Young of North Carolina, John Doucette of Wellfleet MA, and Richard Doucette and his wife Marlene of Derry, NH; his grandchildren, Victoria Sharvin, Shayla Morrissey and her husband Shaun, Christopher Husson and his wife Asami, Nicholas Lugo and his husband Derric, Brooklyn Theriault and her husband Samuel, and Sophia Doucette; along with great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 AM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen, MA. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen.