James B. "Jim" LaBranche

Marlborough, MA – James B. "Jim" LaBranche, 71 of Marlborough passed away at Marlborough Hospital on Thursday, March 13, 2025 after courageously battling health challenges with remarkable strength and grace. Jim's resilience and "never give up" spirit will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him. Born in Haverhill, he was the son of Victor and Mary (Blaisdell) LaBranche and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1971. Jim lived most of his life in the Maynard and Marlborough areas and his greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved his work as a Machinist for Lista Corp and was a self-made mechanic. He enjoyed fast cars, football, watching Gold Rush and was an avid Patriots and Bruins fan. Jim loved steak, pizza and beer, Dunkin coffee and donuts, rock and roll music and hanging out at cookouts with his family and friends. Jim is survived by his son James B. LaBranche of Maynard, and his daughter Lisa M. Sullivan of Grafton, MA and his devoted caretaker Shannon Adams, of Grafton, MA. He also leaves behind his brother Richard LaBranche of Kingston, NH, and his grandchildren Timothy LaCroix, Brady Sullivan and Caden Sullivan. He was predeceased by his brother Philip LaBranche and life partner Audrey Swanson. Jim touched the lives of many people with his smile, raw honesty and trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Arrangements: A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 20 from 4 until 7 PM at the Wayside Inn located in Sudbury, MA. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you share a kind memory or keep Jim in your thoughts. Arrangements are in the care of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Please visit www.comeaufuneral.com or Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook.