James R. Ladd

James R. "Jim" Ladd Jr., 67, a longtime resident of Plaistow, NH and Byfield, MA, passed away peacefully at his home on June 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Gail (Verrell) Ladd, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Born in Lynn, MA, Jim was the son of the late James R. Ladd Sr. and Shirley (Grant) Ladd. He was raised and educated in Lynn and graduated from Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, Class of 1976. Jim was the proud owner and operator of J&G Mobile Auto Repair for over twenty years. He loved his work and took great pride in helping others. Jim learned the art of car repair through many years working closely alongside his father, a foundation that shaped both his career and his character. He passed after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Throughout his illness, Jim remained strong in spirit, eternally optimistic and smiling, and deeply appreciative of the excellent care he received from the neuro-oncology team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In a final act of generosity, he chose to donate his brain to Dana-Farber for research, in the hope that his contribution might help advance treatments and bring hope to others facing the same diagnosis in the future. This continues Jim's legacy of supporting research into glioblastoma-he raised funds and completed The Jimmy Fund Walk to Defy Cancer on the Boston Marathon route in 2023. He was a man of many passions-he loved fishing, enjoyed wildlife and music, and found great joy in traveling. Over the years, he visited almost 40 national parks between the US and Canada, traveled to Brazil, and especially loved trips to Disney with his grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children: James R. Ladd III of Plaistow, NH; Kevin Ladd and his wife Stephanie of Northwood, NH; Thomas Ladd and his wife Jessica of Newton, NH; Matthew Ladd and his wife Belle of Keene, NH; Andy Grabowski and his wife Jeongmin of Frankfurt, Germany; and Jared Acquaviva of Carlisle, MA. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Charlotte Ladd, Amelia Ladd, Madelyn Ladd, and William "James" Ladd, and his sisters Linda Murray, Sandra Ladd, and Cathleen Ladd. He was predeceased by his dear mother and father-in-law, Frederick and Dorothy Verrell. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, 8 Atkinson Depot Road, Plaistow, NH. Interment will follow privately. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Neuro-Oncology, or The Jimmy Fund. Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home