James P. Lavelle

James Patrick Lavelle passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at the age of 79 surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Holyoke, the only child of the late Patrick and Catherine (Rowen) Lavelle of Belmullet, Ireland. Raised in the blocks of Holyoke, he attended Sacred Heart grammar school before graduating as part of the first class of the “new” Holyoke High School in 1965 (He may have been a member of the of the classes of 1963 and 1964, too!). Jim served in the National Guard. Jim went on to work for Daniel O’Connell’s and Sons and Mt. Tom Ski Area. Mt. Tom played a big part in his life and all four of his children. An entrepreneur at heart, Jim opened his first business, Hillside Take-Out and Catering, in 1972, delivering pizza long before such a business was popular. Following this success, he opened JP’s Restaurant in Holyoke in 1985, creating a local legacy that remains in the family today. 

Jim also enjoyed being involved in local politics, the Sealer of Weights and Measures for the City of Holyoke, Commissioner of the Holyoke Housing Authority, and his favorite position was being a Commissioner of Holyoke Gas & Electric Department. The second half of Jim’s life was dedicated to his grandkids and providing free day care for his grandchildren, which he loved every minute of! Being the official family photographer, he documented the history of all those he loved. Jim was a loving and devoted husband to Frances (Dibble) Lavelle for 51 years before her passing in 2018. 

Jim is survived by his children, Lisa (Steve) Rogers, James Lavelle, Jr., Katie (John) Monaghan, Jennifer (Tommy) Kakley, his grandchildren, Bryan and Timmy Gaughan, Patrick and Elley Lavelle, Tommy and Jack Kakley, Nicholas (Suzie) Rogers, Shannon (Zack) Elliott, Jack and Erin (Tyler) Monaghan, great-grandson Thomas Elliott, his godson Michael Lenihan, and many beloved family and friends. 

The funeral will be held Monday April 7th at 9:00am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street. Burial will follow in St. Jerome Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday April 6th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family requests donations be made to: Magic for Maddie, 3 Kevin Drive, Southampton, MA 01073

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