James Robert (Jim) LaChappelle, 70, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on September 19, 2026. Born in Springfield, July 30, 1956, he was the son of the late George and Dorothy (Linnehan) LaChappelle and lived most of his life in West Springfield. Jim was a smart, vibrant man, who graduated from Cathedral High School in 1974, (where he met his wife, Mary) and went on to STCC to get an Associates degree in computer programming. He worked at Westbank and Mass Mutual for much of his career. Mary and Jim were married in 1980 and welcomed their son David in 1985 and daughter Katie in 1987. Their family of four enjoyed trips to Cape Cod all packed up in a mint green Honda Civic, annual Fourth of July parties with Jim's brother, Bill, and many successfully hosted holidays with Mary's side of the family. He was an amazing father, as reflected in just a few of the many ways he showed his love over the years: learning to braid his daughter's hair, sharing his love of movies, and cheering as loudly as possible at every one of his kids’ sports games. As life moved on and he retired, Jim was also a loving caregiver to his grandson, Luke, before he went off to preschool. Jim was a legendary jokester and the life of the party. He celebrated every event like it was a milestone, whether he was dancing at a wedding, drinking beers at the beach with friends, or just looking for rocks in the backyard to add to his handmade rock wall he was so proud of. He was always whooping it up, making everyone laugh with his goofy humor and signature smile, which we will never forget. A cliché phrase that fits perfectly, to know him was to love him. His warmth and kindness was felt by everyone who met him. He is survived by his wife Mary (Marsh) LaChappelle and children David /Briana LaChappelle and Katie LaChappelle/ Stuart McPherson, grandson Luke LaChappelle, brother William LaChappelle, his wife Carolyn, mother in law Therese Marsh, and many close in-laws, nieces and nephews. Jim’s funeral mass will be held Wednesday September 30, 2026, at 10AM from St Thomas Church with burial to follow in St Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday September 29, 2026, 4-7PM at the Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.