Title	Mr.
Last Name	Lagasse
First Name	James
Middle Name	Joseph
Maiden Name
Nick Name
Place of Birth	Old Town, Me
Date of Birth	1934-12-13
Place of Death	Lincoln, Me
Date of Death	2020-09-30
Publication	Eastern Gazette October 16, 2020
Obituary	DEXTER - James Joseph Lagasse, 85, passed away peacefully September 30, 2020, at Penobscot Valley Hospital. He left behind an indescribably lucky family including four children, a slew of outstanding grandchildren and two beautiful great-granddaughters. "Pep," as he was known by the latter, was born in Old Town on December 13, 1934, to Albert and Alice (Dionne) Lagasse. Jim grew up on French Island and was more than proud of his upbringing and would spin wild tales of his early years on the Island at any opportunity. He attended Old Town schools before continuing his education at Husson College. After Husson, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Jim married his beloved wife, Donna (Crawford) Lagasse, on October 25, 1958. After marriage, he began his career with the Retail Clerks Labor Union traveling the country organizing workers before relocating to Dexter and purchasing the IGA from his brother, Pete. He successfully operated Jims IGA for several years before the store was destroyed by fire. He was an avid New England and University of Maine sports fan. He enjoyed cigars, good food, and his family. He could spend hours reminiscing about times long past. Left to cherish his memory are his children: daughter, Karen Sauls (Terry) of Villa Rica, GA; son, Mark Lagasse (Wendie) of Glenburn; daughter, Gail Jewett (Jay) of Dexter; and daughter, Beth Lagasse of Patten; his grandchildren, Sara Lagasse and significant other, Xavier of Sunnyvale, CA, Kody James Chase (Danielle) of Monroe, LA, Brad Chase (Cassandra) of Clinton, Danielle Lagasse and significant other, Matthew, of Gorham, and Lucas Jewett and his fiancée, Kate Myers, of Dexter, will long cherish his memory; as will his great-grandchildren, Kaelyn Marie Chase of Clinton, and Adelaide Hart Chase of Monroe, LA. He is also survived by his sister, Connie St. Louis of Old Town; sisters-in-law, Elda Lagasse, Retha Crawford, Barbara Crawford; brother-in-law, Ditson Welch, as well as lifelong friends, Art and Amy Morin of Old Town; and many other family members and close friends. He was predeceased by his precious wife of 60 years, Donna; his brothers, Pete, Buck and Pat; his sisters, Yvonne, Cite, and Marie; as well as his grandson, Kyle Alan Chase. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a private graveside service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jims name to the Corinna Post # 73, American Legion, P.O. Box 1, Corinna, ME 04928. Those who wish may leave written condolences at CrosbyNeal.com.