James Paolucci Credit: Courtesy Following a decades-long battle against leukemia and its lasting effects, James Francis Paolucci, 86, of Wildwood, Fla., died peacefully on July 8, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, in Glover, Vt. Jim’s joy was sharing great meals, good spirits, good go lf and happy times with his family and friends. Born in Rutland, Vt., in 1938 to Mary and Dominic Paolucci, Jim grew up in Rutland, graduating from Mount St. Joseph Academy in 1956. Jim’s mathematical brilliance earned him the nickname “the head” in high school. After high school, Jim attended a few semesters at Castleton State College. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1958, serving on active duty until December 1961 and on reserve duty through March 1964. While in service Jim specialized in electronics and engineering, received two Good Conduct Medals, achieved the rank of Corporal E-4, and was honorably discharged on December 1, 1961, to continue his services in the reserves until March 1964. Following his active service, Jim continued his education in engineering at Castleton State College and the University of Vermont. In 1964, while attending Castleton State College, Jim met and married Phyllis Whitcomb, of Westminster, Vt. Their son, James M. Paolucci, was born in April 1965, and after completing their respective degrees at Castleton, Jim and Phyllis moved to Burlington, then Williston, Vt. Jim went on to complete his master’s degree at the University of Vermont while working for IBM. Jim and Phyllis separated in 1973 and divorced in 1978 Romance with Mary T. Clark blossomed in 1978, and after a decade of building their life together, Jim and Mary married on November 16, 1989, at their home in South Burlington, Vt. Full retirement as advisory engineer from IBM in 2000 provided them with the opportunity to explore various winter-living locations. After several winters spent in Arizona and Florida, Jim and Mary purchased a place in Wildwood, Fla., where they could spend the cold Vermont winters enjoying warmth, sun and time with friends. In 2006 they moved from South Burlington to Glover, Vt., to spend summer months closer to their daughter and her family and moved permanently to Wildwood, Fla., in 2021. For nearly five decades, Jim and Mary took every opportunity to travel, golf, entertain, and spend time with their many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended families and dear friends. Jim will be remembered for his feisty demeanor, generosity, devotion to his family and friends, and having a good time. We couldn’t have asked for a better spouse, parent and friend; we miss him every day. Jim’s memory lives large in the hearts of all of us who loved him. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Mary C. Paolucci and Dominic J. Paolucci; wife, Mary E. Paolucci; sister, Mary C. Dooley; stepson Richard W. Clark; and grandson Ryan R. Clark. He is survived by his brother, Robert J. Paolucci; son, James M. Paolucci; stepchildren Ralph H. Clark IV, William E. Clark and Deborah A. Clark; and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, extended family, and beloved friends. A celebration for Jim is planned for Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 754 Hinman Rd., Glover, VT. The post Obituary: James Francis Paolucci, 1938-2025 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less