Groton, CT & Van Buren, ME--- James G. LaPlante, 68, of Groton, CT, died June 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Jamaica Plain, MA, May 17, 1958, and was the eldest son of the late Wilfred LaPlante of Van Buren, ME and Regina (Gaudreau) of Saint Leonard, NB. He was the grandson of the late Jean Laplante and Alice (Madore) of Van Buren and of Arthur Gaudreau and Elizabeth (Thibodeau) of Saint Leonard.

Growing up in New Haven, CT, Jim attended grammar school at St Francis School (Class of 1972) in Fair Haven and graduated in 1976 from Eli Whitney Vocational Technical High School in Hamden. He served in the Army Reserves as a railroad conductor. Prior to his retirement, Jim was a tool and die maker and worked for some years at Pratt & Whitney as an aerospace machinist.

Jim is survived by Gaylene, his partner of 28 years. He also leaves behind three siblings, his sister, Jean Claire (LaPlante) Bogardus and her husband Lee of Athens, TX, brothers, Jesse and Jason LaPlante of Quebec, Canada, two nephews, four nieces, a grand-nephew, two grand-nieces, four aunts and many cousins.

He will simply be remembered as being "cool" with a great sense of humor and having the best laugh; always true to himself. Jim never complained nor burdened others while navigating his way through the world. He led a quiet, private life and will be missed dearly.

Beloved Jimmy,

a loving son, brother, partner and uncle,

Until We Meet Again - Always in Our Hearts

Rest in Peace

A Graveside Service to honor his life will be at 10 AM on Friday, July 10, 2026, at St. Bruno Cemetery in Van Buren. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his name to any charity. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. To share memories and condolences online, please visit Jim’s tribute page at www.LajoieFuneralHome.com