Sturbridge / Southbridge – James L. Julian, 81, a recent resident of Pine Ave. in Sturbridge and a longtime resident of Chartier Lane in Southbridge, passed away on Friday, August 8th, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus in Worcester, after an illness.

His beloved wife of 58 years, Carol S. (Lapointe) Julian, passed away in January of this year. He leaves behind his two sons, James L. Julian II and his wife Sandra of Leominster, and Thomas N. Julian and his wife Melissa of Coventry, RI. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Thomas J Julian and Jake R. Julian of Coventry, RI, and James L. Julian III and Jack A. Julian of Leominster. Jim also leaves his brother, Dennis Julian and his wife Betsy of Sturbridge; two sisters, Margaret Partlow and her husband Frank of Southbridge, and Linda Ravenelle and her husband Paul of Lee, NH; and a sister-in-law, Janet Julian of Quinebaug, CT. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Julian of Quinebaug, CT. Born in Southbridge, Jim was the son of Leo Julian and Theresa M. (Lacasse) Julian Proulx. After graduating from Lowell Tech. in 1966 he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War era.

Jim was an industrial engineer and worked for Schott Fiber Optics in Southbridge for many years before retiring. Earlier in his career, he worked at the American Optical Company in Southbridge and Rand Whitney in Worcester

An avid golfer, Jim enjoyed retirement by organizing trips for the Southbridge Senior Center and especially loved traveling to Aruba and Las Vegas. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 14th, at 11:00 AM at the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 14th, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, prior to the service.