James Harold Lacourse, 57, passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2026, surrounded by his wife and kids.
Born on March 8th, 1969, in Limestone, Maine. Jim was the son of the late James William Lacourse and Sheryl Marie White, husband of Tracy (Miller) Lacourse, father of Jamie Lacourse and Cameron (Karlie) Lacourse, all of Lake View, and brother of Sherrin (Chris) Vail of Portland, Maine, Jessica Corrigan of Talent, Oregon, Joshua (Katie) White of Buffalo and Rita George. Also surviving are several nieces & nephews. He graduated from Coe-Brown Northwood Academy and attended Plymouth State, then went on to spend many years in the food and safety industry.
Jim was known for his passion for life. Jim’s hobbies included kayaking, duck hunting, playing sports, listening to music and anything that allowed him to be outdoors. Music wasn’t just something he enjoyed, it was woven into who he was. More than anything, he loved the meaning carried in the words. He would listen closely to the lyrics, often finding pieces of himself in the emotions and messages within each song.
He was known for his love of hats and was almost never seen without one. Whether for style, or mostly because he just liked it, a hat was as much a part of him as his smile. He loved being around his family and friends, as well as sitting outside in an Adirondack chair sipping a glass of wine with his dog.
He spent many years coaching soccer for the Hamburg Monarchs where he became President of the board. Coaching soccer was one of his greatest joys, though winning was never the focus. He believed the true value of the game was in the lessons it taught – passion, accountability, dedication and teamwork.
Jim will be profoundly missed, and his legacy will be carried on through the memories and stories of those who knew and loved him.
Audax esto et legatum relinquere. (Be bold, and leave a legacy) -Jim
Friends and relatives are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Saturday, June 13th from 10-11am, from where a Celebration will follow at 11 o’clock.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to a charity of your choice in Jim’s name.
To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com
5 Comments
Andrea
I had the privilege of working with Jim and this loss hits deeply. His positive spirit. love for his family, integrity and his professionalism always stood out. My first day on the job he handed me a book to read as a first assignment. It was a book about Quality Assurance and what that really means. He took his job very seriously and had many stories to share from his long experience in the food safety industry and in life. He could always find a way to teach you something meaningful from his stories. Sometimes life required you to “just figure it out,” he would say. His discipline in food safety was unmatched. He once told me, that he had been told in the past, “Jim, you are a straight arrow!” Because he would not waver in what he knew was right. I remember saying to him, “that’s a good thing Jim, a straight arrow always hits the target” He could handle any conversation or debate with ease. He would even welcome a good debate! He would tell his staff you can say or tell him anything, “come up and kick me in the shins if you need too!” He very rarely showed it if he was ever frustrated at work, but if you were around when he was, his New England (Maine) accent would slip out. He had a great sense of humor during football season when coworkers (Buffalo BIlls fans) would tease him about the Patriots or Tom Brady. He was well respected and left a lasting impact on all who worked with him. He will be missed. To his family and loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
RICHARD A SEIFER
I knew Jim thru playing pickleball. He was a man full of life and always had a kind word to say. He was kind to everyone he came in contact with. I was very shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. When I was told by a friend that Jim had passed I asked Jim who cuz I never expected that it would be the Jim I know from pickleball. He was so full of life and look so fit that it’s still very hard to believe. He will be greatly missed for his positivity and generally just being a nice guy to be around.
Chris Schmassmann
I was deeply shocked when I heard the news of Jim’s passing. Far too soon, at 57.
I had the privilege of working alongside Jim for several years at SweetWorks in Buffalo, and he left a lasting impression on me. As a Quality Manager, Jim combined genuine professionalism with a warmth that was truly rare. He had this wonderful ability to bring energy and laughter into the room without ever losing focus on what mattered. That combination of good humor and sharp competence is something I have rarely seen matched.
One memory stands out in particular: the day our Buffalo facility achieved the BRC A+ Rating. Jim’s contribution to that achievement was substantial, and I don’t think we would have gotten there without his dedication and expertise. It was one of those moments you don’t forget.
I also treasure our conversations about soccer. Jim’s passion for the game, both as a coach and as a fan, was infectious. As a Swiss guy who grew up with soccer but eventually fell in love with American football, I always enjoyed that common ground we had, and the good-natured debates that came with it.
Life took me back to Switzerland, and the years and the distance meant we gradually lost touch. But the time we shared working together in the US stays with me, and Jim is a big part of why those years were so meaningful.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Jim’s family. He was one of the good ones.
Jim Bowen
I had only known Jim a few years and did not have the opportunity to work in the same department. When I did interact with Jim you could tell he’s a guy that was a good person. He gave overviews of his family, soccer habit, even described what it was that he actually did at work. It was great to get him going with some humor. He started slow but caught up with is on the jokes.
A good man. I will miss you Jim.
Jody Low
I had the good fortune of spending time and competing with and against Jim while we both attended Coe-Brown Academy and then rooming together at Plymouth state College, now University. Jim and I were of similar build and athletic ability in those days. Let’s just say we and had many, many opportunities to sharpen one another’s athletic skills. When Jim and I would compete, whether it be soccer and basketball in high school or later in college during intramural sports I would always want Jim on my team. He was a great competitor and one of those teammates you could count on to give you his very best. On those occasions we would compete against one another, let’s just say it was sure to be a spirited match!
While in college I remember Jim loved the musical group U2. Jim heard they were going to be in concert somewhere in New England, I don’t remember the location. I do recall that it was several hundred miles away. Jim was absolutely determined to make that concert. No car, little extra cash on hand Jim sticks out his thumb and hitchhikes his way south to make the concert! He was passionate about music.
After college when we parted ways and our lives took us in different directions. I regret not taking the time to reconnect with Jim. I know we would have had some epic games on the pickleball court!
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time of grieving the loss of a husband and father.