James Laauwe, 82

BRISTOL — James "Jim" Laauwe, 82, passed away on March 29, 2026, after a period of failing health.

He was born at Hackensack General Hospital in New Jersey, on Nov. 26, 1943, to William and Sadie (Veldhuizen) Laauwe. He survived his first two weeks in an incubator, as many babies in the hospital died due to the 1943-44 flu pandemic.

Jim spent his first 10 years in Ridgewood and Wycoff, New Jersey, before moving to West Plymouth, in 1953. He attended and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1961. Jim started his working career at a tool shop in Plymouth, before quickly moving on to IPC (Fredudenburg NOK), for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force.

Jim was proud to spend four years serving his country, spending most of his time in Europe and the Mediterranean countries with a mobile radar unit. He spent his next 43 years in various positions at IPC, including the company's credit union, many sports teams and leagues, and enjoyed many lifelong friendships he made through the company. Before fully retiring, he joined the White Mountain Country Club maintenance staff for 10 years.

Jim spent time working with young children in various outdoor activities as a Jaycee. He was very active, playing softball for a coached IPC team in the Central Softball League for many years, basketball at the Bristol Community Center, Wednesday night bowling league at Meredith Lanes, flag football and golfing wherever and whenever he could.

In his retirement, Jim enjoyed woodworking, maintaining his and his family’s yards, and keeping up with family and friends. He traveled a great deal, spending two years "snowbirding" in Arizona, with his wife, golfing, visiting casinos and spending time with dear friends. He fulfilled a lifelong dream at 80, parachuting with a fellow Air Force veteran at Skydive New England.

Jim was predeceased by his parents; two siblings, William "Bill" Laauwe and sister Marilyn; brother-in-law Robert Patterson; and nieces Marie (Patterson) Reed and Shirley (Patterson) Freeman. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Ann Marie (St. Arnauld) Laauwe; daughters Irene (Tim) Thacker of Alta Vista, Virginia, Jeanette (Gary) Short of Gretna, Virginia, Amy (Adam) Boynton of Laconia, and Kristopher Laauwe of Laconia; nine favorite grandchildren and four most favorite great-grandchildren; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Jim was the greatest example of fellowship and goodwill. He will be greatly and exceptionally missed and so fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Special thanks to friends Christine Rivera, Stacie Laauwe, and Live Free Home Health Care staff for providing companionship during his final years. Also, a special thanks to the Lakes Region Visiting Nurses Association for their care, tenderness and expertise during his final days.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at the Rumney Baptist Church, 375 Main St., Rumney, with a celebration of life with light refreshments to follow in the church's annex.

Interment will be held at a later date at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Wounded Veteran's Relief Fund, 300 Prosperity Farms Road, Unit F, North Palm Beach, FL 33408.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.