James Jim L. Bleau

He was born on January 28, 1963, in Keene, the son of Dennis and Terry (Bleau) McRae, Sr. Jim was raised by his grandparents Romeo and Eva Bleau in Marlborough where he attended school and lived for over 45 years.

In 1989, he married Denise Batchelder in Marlborough.

Jim worked as an auto mechanic for Worcester’s Garage in Dublin for a number of years and more recently was the EMT Supervisor for Diluzio Ambulance, here in Keene.

He served on the Marlborough Fire Department for 24 years and was also a member of the Marl-Harris Ambulance squad. In addition, he served as part of Roger’s Rangers, which provided First-Aid at the Cheshire Fair and other large venues.

Jim was a “jack of all trades” demonstrating expertise in construction, plumbing and electrical work. He was also a gifted mechanic.

He enjoyed a number of activities including racing stock-cars at Monadnock Speedway, coaching the Swanzey Oil Woman’s Softball Team and camping with and cooking for his family. Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Denise Bleau of Swanzey; his daughters Ashley Bleau, and significant other Nick Huntoon, of Swanzey and Stacey Bleau, and significant other Justin Bastoni, also of Swanzey; his sons Jeffrey Bleau, and wife Casey, of Keene and Shawn Bleau, and wife Kayla, of Swanzey; his grandchildren Noah Wood, Gretchen Bleau, Chloe Bleau, Ethan Wood, Shelby Bleau, Jeffrey Bleau, Jr. and Evan Bastoni; sister Michelle Hughes of Keene; brothers Michael Goodchild of Keene, Dennis McRae, Jr. of Bangor, ME and Gary McRae of Westmoreland; aunts Sandra Delisle of Keene and Marlene Henry of Marlbrough; and many nieces and nephews. His mother Terry McRae and his grandparents Romeo and Eva Bleau died earlier.

Calling hours for Jim will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St., Keene, NH. (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com)