James E. Gingras

BERLIN – James E. Gingras, 87, of Berlin, VT passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.
James was born on August 27, 1937, in Barre, Vermont to Anna M. (Jacques) Gingras and Edmond G. Gingras. He attended Saint Monica’s School in Barre. He then attended Saint Michael’s High School in Montpelier where he played for the varsity basketball team. He graduated high school in 1955. He attended Saint Michael’s College in Colchester for a brief time before working full-time for the Grand Union Company.
James worked for the Grand Union Company for over 45 years before his retirement. He later worked part time for several years as a delivery driver for Green Mountain Floral Supply in Middlesex. He was also a retired member of the US Army National Guard and the US Army Reserve. James or Jimmy knew everyone wherever he went, and people always knew him.
James married Joyce Mary Morse on June 10, 1972. They lived in Montpelier until 1974 when they moved into their new house in Berlin where they spent the next 50+ years.
James loved gardening. He was proud of his tomatoes and his potatoes. He loved to hunt and fish. He was a great reader. He especially loved reading anything by Louis L’Amour, and books about WWII. He passed all his passions down to his children who still love to fish, hunt, garden, and read today. And he was amazingly entertaining to play cards with to which many of his nieces and nephews can attest!
James was a member of St. Monica parish in Barre, VT most of his life. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Brady council #300.
James is survived by his wife of over 52 years Joyce of Berlin; his son Steven Gingras, his wife Dawn and family of St. Johnsbury; daughter Jessie Gingras, her daughter Rose of Berlin, and her fiancé Robert Newton of Dracut, MA; son Joseph Gingras of Essex Junction; son John Gingras of South Burlington; sister Diane Carmolli of Rutland; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, in-laws, and cousins.
James was predeceased by his parents Anna and Edmond Gingras, granddaughter Keisha Gingras, beloved cousin and best friend Paul Jarvis, and many sisters- and brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday May 16, 2025 at 11am at St. Monica church in Barre, with burial afterward at the Berlin Corner Cemetery.
Donations in James’ name may be made to: Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, Vermont 05641-5369; or St Monica – St Michael School, 79 Summer St., Barre, VT 05641.
Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre.
Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com