Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lary Funeral Home - Dover-Foxcroft on Mar. 30, 2026.
Bowerbank - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James "Jim" Paul Lanthier, who left us far too soon on March 24, 2026, at the age of 48. A proud resident of
Bowerbank, Maine, Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends.
Jim's greatest joy and proudest role in life was being a husband and father. He shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Jackie, and together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and unwavering support. His children, Layla and Eric, were the center of his world-his greatest pride, his purpose, and his joy. Whether cheering them on, guiding them, or simply spending time together, Jim was happiest when he was with them.
James was born in
Lowell, MA on July 20, 1977, to Steve and Barbara (Dupuis) Lanthier. He was the loving husband of Jackie (Berg) Lanthier and devoted father to Layla and Eric. He was the beloved brother of Lisa (Lanthier) and David Woolrich, and a treasured brother-in-law to Rachel and Jeff Harlow, Rich Iacomini, and William Berg III.
He was an adored son-in-law to Agnes (McGeown) and William Berg; Lisa Chopelas and Gary Newsted, and Greg Chopelas. He was a proud and loving uncle to Zoey and Lucy Woolrich; Cameron Iacomini and Alison DeLeo; Emilee Harlow; Adam and Nicole Harlow; Anna Harlow and Tyronne Haith; Luke Harlow and Pressley Frazier; Josh Harlow; and Jeffery Harlow; and a great uncle to Samuel, Adalynn, and Harlow.
Jim was a cherished grandson to the late Robert and Belmira Dupuis and the late Paul and Jean Lanthier, Barabara Berg and the late William Berg Sr.; and an adored nephew to Mike Dupuis; Susan and the late Gerry Vezina; Judy and Art Perkins; Robin and the late Joe Lanthier; Paula and Mark Horne; Pattie and the late Joe Steeves; Larry, Victoria, and the late Barbara Berg; Barry Berg and Kathee Galvin; Patti and Tony McDonald; Cindy Berg; and Mary and John Parsley. He is also survived by many beloved cousins-Christine (and family), Jordan, Amanda, Jeri, Abby, Sarah, Marc, Christopher, Jessica, David, Tiffany, and Sara-who held a special place in his life.
He was a best friend to Mark Finocchario, and to so many friends who were truly family: Jessalyn and Robert Paige, Shana and Robert Higgins, and Noel and Bill Bugley.
Jim had a deep love for nature and camping. From yearly family trips to Clearwater Campground to weekends with friends, he was the master of setting up camp and proudly held the title of "Fire Master." One of his most cherished accomplishments was building his dream home with Jackie on Sebec Lake-a place he truly considered heaven on earth.
There, he found joy in life's simplest and most meaningful moments: the crisp winter air while snowmobiling, golfing with his son in the spring, long summer days spent by the lake, steadfastly captaining sunset cruises and tubing adventures, watching his daughter cliff-jump off Gibraltar Rock, taking his dog Zuri on jet ski rides, receiving "presents" from his cat Luke, and enjoying "trail talk" year-round.
Yet for Jim, the beauty of nature was always made greater by the people he shared it with. The lake reflected who he was-calm, steady, and full of life.
He was the kind of man who made life feel warm, dependable, and full. A devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished son, and a loyal friend, Jim carried himself with a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew him. He was always present-ready with a helping hand, a kind word, or simply his steady presence.
In his professional life as an insurance agent, he was known for his integrity and dedication, always putting people first. But it was outside of work where his personality truly shined. He had a gift for bringing people together-whether mixing the perfect drink, cooking meals that felt like home, delivering the perfectly timed Dad joke, finding the right song, or sharing laughter on late porch nights.
Jim was the person everyone could count on-the helper, the fixer, the one who checked in, showed up, and made sure no one ever felt alone. His kindness left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. To his friends, he was family; to his family, he was a friend.
Above all, he will be remembered for the way he loved-deeply, wholeheartedly, and without hesitation.
Services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 12-2pm at Lary Funeral Home, 62 Summer Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow from 2-4pm at The Mill, 5 E Main St, Dover-Foxcroft, ME.
Donations can be made to help support the family at:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-lanthiers-family