James E. Boudreau

Retired Newton Firefighter James E. “Jimmy” Boudreau, of Newton, died Sunday, January 25, 2026 at his home. He was 80.

Jimmy was born in Newton on August 10, 1945, a son of the late John and Alice (Lyman) Boudreau, and had been a lifelong resident.

Following his graduation from Newton High School he joined the United States Marine Corps and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. His time in the service forged a quiet strength in Jimmy that prepared him well for life as a firefighter.

Following his discharge from the Marine Corps he joined the Newton Fire Department and proudly served the city for thirty-six years.

He was a longtime member of Newton Firefighters Local 863 and the Newton-Brookline Elks, Lodge No. 1327.

His kind, friendly and affable nature earned him many friends wherever he went. He frequented many area restaurants where he was always greeted with a smile and warm ‘hello’ . . . often accompanied by his longtime companion, the late Betty Lou LaRose.

Generous with his time, talent and treasure many will long remember Jimmy for his quiet, unassuming kindness.

He leaves his brother, John A. “Jack” Boudreau (Mary) of Newton; his brother-in-law, Roy Cooke of Chicopee; his nieces and nephews, Denise Gauvin (Lenny), Edward Boudreau, Julie Moore (Cliff), Paul Boudreau and Caroline Tatro (Jeff); his grand nephews, Chris (Lisa), Derek (Katie), Justin (Kaley) and James; his great-grandnephew and nieces, Lenny, Hazel and Genevieve and Betty Lou’s daughter, Tricia LaRose Bonn (Tom) and their children, Gia and Bianca.

Jimmy was also a brother of the late Cynthia Ann Cooke and the uncle of the late John Boudreau.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jimmy’s life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, February 2nd from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne will be at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to The Newton Firefighter’s Children’s Fund. P.O. Box 650094, Newton, MA 02465 or at https://nfdchildrensfund.com/.