James R. Blais

James R. Blais, 89, of Hudson, MA, died on November 16, 2024, at Beaumont Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center. 

James was born in Holyoke, MA, son of the late George and Rose Anna (Drouin) Blais. He was raised in Easthampton, MA where he attended local schools. He spent most of his life residing on Fort Meadow Reservoir located in Marlborough, MA and Hudson, MA. He first settled on the Marlborough side of the reservoir then purchased a home on the Hudson side spending over forty wonderful years on the lake there. He was an electrical engineer by trade and worked for Dennison Manufacturing Company in Framingham, MA for many years. After retiring in 2000, Jim became a much-loved member of the Hudson Senior Center, where he played a key role in organizing a small network of friends who would perform music and sing together for the Center's guests every Friday until the pandemic.

James is survived by his son James E. Blais and his wife Jennifer Weyler of Shrewsbury, MA; his daughter Diana Blais Sandini and her longtime partner Richard White, Jr. of Marlborough, MA; and he was predeceased by his youngest son Raymond A. Blais in 2017. He also leaves ten grandchildren: James E. Blais, Jr. and his wife Carley of Millbury, MA, Sarah Blais McArthur and her partner Jade Hartsough of Florida, Ginelle Blais and her partner Edwin Matos of New Hampshire, Drew Blais and his wife Sarah of New Hampshire, Christopher Sandini, Jr. and his wife Jenna of Westminster, MA, Danielle Sandini and her significant other Tony Bucchino of Hopedale, MA, Kevin Blais of Maine, Amanda Blais of Maine, David Blais of Oklahoma, Rachel Rose Dryden of Oklahoma; his brother Ronald Blais of Northampton, MA, along with an abundance of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other relatives and close friends. He was predeceased by his five older siblings: Blanche, Ferdinand, Cecile, Paul, and Henry.

Since acquiring his first Gibson guitar at a young age, Jim was self-taught and went on to learn how to play various instruments. He played in multiple Country & Western bands throughout his lifetime, and loved attending Blue Grass Festivals where he would reconnect with old friends and looked forward to meeting new ones! He cherished his time residing on Fort Meadow, especially hosting gatherings of family and friends at his lake home. Following his retirement, he looked forward to traveling. He scheduled at least one trip per year ─ ocean cruises were his favorite ─ often having some good friends to share that time with on those excursions. Jim will be remembered for his infectious laugh and unique talents by those who loved and knew him.

Family and friends may gather at the Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA to remember James on Friday, November 22, 2024, with visiting hours from 4:00 to 7:00pm. The family will celebrate Jim’s life privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to: Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.