James E. Mack

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James E. Mack, known to his friends and family as Jim, on January 25, 2024. 

Born on October 29, 1932, in Fitchburg, MA, as the second of twin sons born to the late Edward J. and Florence A. (Hanks) Mack.  Jim grew up in Ashburnham and lived an extraordinarily creative and humble life. He was a man of deep faith and a dedicated parishioner of the former St. Joseph's Church in Gardner and Annunciation Parish Gardner. His life was defined by his love for his longtime companion Donald Boyd, family, and friends.  

A graduate of Fitchburg High School, Jim earned his Eagle Scout in 1948. He went on to graduate from New England Institute of Applied Health and Funeral Sciences in Boston, Jim was a funeral director and worked with his brother, Jack for many years before pursuing his career as a florist.  Jim was a talented florist, bringing joy to many through his work as the owner of the former James E. Mack Florist in Gardner; he then relocated for a time to St. Petersburg, FL where he owned a shop of the same name before retiring and returning back to Gardner to be closer to his family.   In his retirement, he worked part-time for the John H. Mack Funeral Home and at Holmes-Shusas Florist in Worcester for his dear friends Paul and Christine Shusas.  

An individual of countless talents, Jim loved working with flowers, gardening, cooking, and decorating. He was loving and had a keen eye for beauty, evident in his passion for Christmas decorating, attending county fairs and band concerts, and trips to Maine. As Maya Angelou once said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." Jim's creativity was indeed limitless, flowing into his hobbies and work, enriching the lives of those around him.

Jim resided for many years at Heywood Commons, a community where he enjoyed living and established many friendships.  Jim spent his final two years  bravely battling Parkinson's disease and recently resided at The Highlands in Fitchburg.

James is survived by his twin brother John H. "Jack" Mack and his wife Mary of Gardner; his sister, Nancy Rosbury of Ashburnham; nieces and nephews,  Judy A. Mack of Gardner who was his devoted caregiver for many years,  Jane E. Emmett and her husband David of Kingsland, GA , Brian E. Mack and his wife Dr. Ellen M. Ray of Winchendon,  Kevin J. Mack and his wife Michele of Westminster, Susan Christensen and her husband Matt of Ashburnham, Robert E. "Bud" Rosbury, Jr. and his wife Christine of Gardner, Elizabeth "Penny " Rosbury of Ashburnham, Patricia "Tricia"  Dyer  and her husband John of Gardner, and Marcia Rosbury-Henne and her husband Jim of Orange; as well as many great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ret. Col. Margaret M. Mack, his brother-in-law Robert E. Rosbury, Sr. and his dear and longtime companion, Donald N. Boyd. 

We will honor James's life with a visitation on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 4:30-6:30 PM at Mack Family Funeral Homes, located at 105 Central Street, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church, located at 50 Lovewell Street, Gardner, Massachusetts, 01440. Burial will be private at St. Bernard's Cemetery in Fitchburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Activities Fund of The Highlands Nursing Home, 335 Nichols Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420-please put Attn: Activities Director and reference James E. Mack in the memo section. The funds will be used to have an outside summer concert for residents as Jim enjoyed sitting in the courtyard.

In the memory of James Mack, we encourage friends and family to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page at www.mackfamilyfh.com. His life was a testament to the beauty of creativity, the power of humility, and the depth of love. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor & Melissa A. McQuaid directors.