James "Jim" Lapides

1941 - 2025

James ("Jim") Lapides
03/02/2025
James ("Jim") Lapides, 83, passed away March 2, 2025, at Tidewell Hospice, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Jim was born on July 21, 1941, in New Haven, CT. His parents were Ira Lapides and Helen Muffs Lapides. He was the baby of the family of five boys. His beloved older brothers were Phil, Harvey, Marty and Ted.
By the time he graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1959, he was a golfer. He graduated from Colby College (Waterville, ME) in 1963, and was a four-year letterman on the golf team. Through his lifetime, he remained grateful for the education and life lessons he received at college.
His first job out of school was working for Seagram's Distillers in New York City. He eventually returned to New Haven and began a career in finance. He retired from that 43 years later in Sarasota, FL.
He married Lucy Lapin in 1969 and they were married for more than 55 years. They lived a shared and respectful marriage, growing together. Jim loved his wife, his children and grandchildren, his friends and clients and his Red Sox; 2004 was one of his favorite years!
He was a homebody, who loved his life and family and close friends, and was well-respected at work and in his private life. Experiencing the Blizzard of February 1978, when it took him 2 days to get home from work, which was 10 miles away, was the impetus to make the move to a warmer, sunny climate. He could enjoy playing golf and tennis, cheering on players during Spring Training, meeting new friends and hosting old friends and family who still continued to visit. It took 20 years for them to fulfill that dream, but he felt it was well worth it.
Jim is survived by his wife, Lucy, children, Matthew (Sarah) and Emily (Marty), grandchildren, Jack, Hannah, Isabel and Elizabeth and two brothers, Marty and Ted.
Jim especially loved children and those who work to improve their lives. If you wish to make a contribution in Jim's memory, the family suggests The Jimmy Fund; since 1953, the Boston Red Sox have partnered with the Jimmy Fund to raise awareness and funds to support the Dana-
Farber Institute. Also consider, Tidewell Hospice: Lakewood Ranch; the family will always be grateful for the kindness and care they took with Jim and Lucy in the end. A special thanks to Jacki Rolfe and Anne Marie for their professionalism and compassion.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer, when their whole family and friends can gather together.