James M. “Jim” Lamarre, 61, of Rocky Hill, beloved husband to Michele Bates, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, surrounded by his family and friends. Jim was born in Hartford on August 1, 1960 to the late Raymond and Marie Claire (Bousquet) Lamarre. He was a lifelong resident of Rocky Hill and graduated from Rocky Hill High School Class of 1978. Jim was part of a special group of friends that are still very close to this day. After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas where he was a sharpshooter and trained as a diesel mechanic. He earned the title of Specialist 4th Class in the 2nd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, aka “Hell on Wheels”. Following his time in the service, he returned to his hometown of Rocky Hill where he was a valued mechanic at Nutmeg International in Hartford for many years before joining the Town of Rocky Hill as a Division Mechanic. Jim had a stellar work ethic, was known for his meticulous attention to detail, and took great pride in anything he was involved in. He spent over 28 years as a member of the Rocky Hill Fire Department, most recently serving as Captain, a longtime member of the Benino-Beck VFW Post 2138 in Rocky Hill, where he also served as Chaplain, a member and Captain of the Middlesex County Dart Association for over 30 years as well as being a longtime member of the Connecticut Triumph Club. Jim was known for his kindness and willingness to help others at a drop of a dime. He loved telling stories of fun times with family and friends. His boisterous laugh was infectious, and you could not help but join in. Jim was a family man- a loving husband and proud father to his step-children, and a proud grandfather to his grandson.
Besides his wife Michele, Jim leaves behind his step-children, Chris Bates and Fiancé, Jazmin Smola and their son Oaklen, and Kara Bates and her boyfriend Jason Bielesz. His siblings, Marietta Lamarre, Raymond Lamarre and Joseph Lamarre.
Friends and family may call on the Lamarre family from 4:00PM to 7:00PM on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 10:00AM in Saint James Church, of Saint Josephine Bahkita Parish, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill, (all attendees are asked to go directly to church) followed by a burial with full military and fire department honors at the Rocky Hill Center Cemetery, Main Street, Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations to Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center are appreciated. To leave condolences, or for further information, please visit FarleySullivan.com