James D Royce

Monson-James D. Royce, born on April 12, 1942, in Monson, Massachusetts, to Mayne D. Royce and Esther (Butterworth) Royce, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He spent his early years in Monson and graduated from Monson High School in 1960. Shortly after, he proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964.

In 1965, while working at Al’s Exxon, James met the love of his life, Barbara Coolong. They were married in 1970 and built a life filled with love, laughter, and family.

James is survived by his two children: Amy (Royce) Chasse and her husband Carl, along with their daughter Renee; and James Royce and his wife Kate, with their daughter Julia. He also leaves behind his cherished grand-dog, Sammy. James is also survived by his brothers David Royce, and Rodney Royce, as well as David’s children, Matt and Meaghan, and nephews Nick and Joel Royce.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Michael Royce, sisters-in-law Margaret and Carol Royce, his Aunt Helen Bettinger, Uncle Harold Bettinger, Cousin Everett Bettinger, and his brother-in-law Ray Blanchette, his golfing partner.

Known affectionately as “Jimmy,” he found joy in the simple pleasures of life—camping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, solving jigsaw and word puzzles, spending time in Eastport, Maine, dining out, playing bingo with Barbara, golf – both playing and watching it on TV, reading books (sometimes two at a time), the New York Yankees, hiking and biking in the White Mountains, and especially anything related to trains. He loved building train layouts, watching train shows, following trains on the road, and traveling by rail. Jim loved to travel; he and Barbara traveled to Canada, the Caribbean, out west to South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, and Idaho, spring training in Florida to see the New York Yankees, and the most recent trip to Fort Madison, Iowa to watch trains. His musical tastes ranged from country to classical, often falling asleep to soothing melodies.

James dedicated over three decades of service to Zero Manufacturing, where he worked from 1965 until his retirement in 2001.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Littleton Regional Healthcare and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for their compassionate care during James’s final hours. Their kindness and support meant the world to both James and his family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 5-7pm. Gathering of family and friends will begin at 9:30am Friday, August 22, 2025 at Lombard Funeral Home with a funeral procession for a Funeral Mass at 10:30am in St. Patrick’s Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Bethany Cemetery both in Monson.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept 142 Memphis TN 38101-9908 or to Shriners Hospital for Children 516 Carew St Springfield, MA 01104.