James (Jim) Steven Joyce, 80, of Whitman, Massachusetts, was a supportive and loving husband, father, grandpa, and friend who passed away on September 5, 2026 from complications of dementia. He passed peacefully after several meaningful visits with family and friends. He will be remembered most for his sense of humor, his work ethic, and his profound and unwavering loyalty to friends and family.

He was predeceased by his dearly beloved wife of 41 years, Carleen, who passed away in 2020. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Kallinicos and her husband, Robert, of Fayetteville, NY; daughter Katie Joyce and her partner, Dennis Renzi, of Pawtucket, RI; his five spirited grandchildren, James, Norah, Logan, Lukas and Keira; as well as many of his longtime dear friends—all of whom will cherish the good times they shared with him over the years and will be forever grateful to have known him.

Born in Boston in 1945, the son of the late Thomas and Alice (Gould) Joyce, Jim grew up on the South Shore during his early years, before graduating from Braintree High School in 1965. His yearbook photo caption read, “He knocked at each one of the doorways of life.” It was a fitting description for a man who embraced life with humor and curiosity.

After high school, Jim served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Intrepid from 1965—1967. When he returned home, he completed an associate degree in Business Administration at Massasoit in 1970.

In the years that followed, he met and married the love of his life, Carleen, and started a family, supported by more than twenty years of hard work at Tedeschi’s Food Shops. During his retirement, he enjoyed many activities–fishing, fantasy football, and collecting as much Patriots Merch as would fit in the basement den. But most of all, he enjoyed visits from friends and family. He was grateful for the time he had with the people he loved, and especially for the years he shared with Carleen.

There were 41 glorious years of marriage with Carleen that spanned not only decades, but seasons of life—from the newly married years of toddlers, backyard cookouts, and pool parties, to the Super Bowl Sundays and vacations in New Hampshire as the kids grew older; then came the bittersweet years of seeing their daughters leave home, become adults, fall in love and have children of their own. In that time of changing seasons, Jim and Carleen seemed closer than ever. With grace, humor, and humility, they endured the passage of time and taught us about the quiet consistency of true love and devotion without even trying.

Their love was simply there—in the everyday moments, in the laughter, the family gatherings and the way that they continued to choose each other through every season of life. And while we miss them both more than words can say, there is comfort in knowing that Jim and Carleen are together again.

Rest in peace, Jim - Dad, Grandpa. We will never forget you.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the staff at Hope Hospice and Summit Commons nursing home who helped make Jim’s final days more comfortable.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at Blanchard’s Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St.(Rte. 58 @ the rotary), on Sunday September 13, from 2:00–4:30 PM. Burial will take place at St. James Cemetery in Whitman, Monday September 14, at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to the Brain Research Foundation: https://www.thebrf.org/donate/