James W. Marceau

James W. Marceau, 72, of Ludlow, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2019.  Born in Springfield on August 13, 1947, he was the son of the late John and Irene (Boulrice) Marceau of that city.  He attended Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Elementary School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1965.  He was a drummer and instructor for the Targets Drum and Bugle Corps. Jim earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Westfield State College and taught Spanish, Latin and English at Ludlow High School, retiring in 2004.

During his 35 years at the school, he was very active in numerous extra-curricular activities, starting the school’s chess team and serving often as a class and club advisor.  He was involved in student and faculty theatrical productions and coached the junior varsity boys soccer and girls basketball teams.  Jim also worked on many professional committees and served twice as president of the Ludlow Education Association.  He was a Ludlow precinct voter and member of the Board of Appeals.  He was also a lector in his church and assisted at its Adoration Chapel.

In 1984 Jim was a founding member of the Exit 7 Players, Ludlow’s community theater, serving on the board of directors and as treasurer until 2019. Jim’s greatest love, however, was his service since 1980 to the Masons and the Springfield Melha Shriners. He was a member and Master of the Indian Orchard Lodge and a member of the Brigham Lodge of Ludlow. His Masonic and Shrine commitments consisted of many offices, directorships, committees and organizations, including the Past Masters Club and the Melha Drum Corps.  In 2005 Jim was elected Potentate of the Melha Shriners.  This was the highlight of his long and dedicated service to the organization.

Jim is survived by his wife Diane (Larivee) and his son Mark, with whom he was an avid fan of New England sports.  He is also survived by his six brothers:  Daniel (Betty), Richard (Dianne), John (Lisa), Timothy (Kathy), Thomas and Michael, as well as several cousins, nieces, close friends and fellow Shriners.

Funeral services for Jim will be held Friday, December 20, 2019 at 8:45 AM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Church.  Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Visiting hours at the funeral home will be Thursday, December 19, 2019 from 3:30-7:00 PM. A Masonic service will be held at 6:45 PM.  Donations in Jim’s memory ay be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.