September 5th, 1944 - September 24th, 2025
Born in Milford on September 5, 1944, to the late Frank and Eunice (Brooks) Blackler, James grew up attending Milford public schools, playing sports, and was a member of the United Methodist Church. He graduated from Milford High School in 1962 before earning an associate degree in mechanical power engineering technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.
James served in the National Guard and built a career in industrial engineering. He spent a decade with Rockwell International’s Draper Division foundry in Hopedale, later becoming quality control manager for Grumman Allied Industries Inc. at the Wormuth Bros. Foundry in Athens, N.Y. He returned to Massachusetts to serve as plant manager for Standard Foundry Co. in Worcester.
A devoted family man, James loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and proudly wore a U.S. Marines cap gifted by his grandson. He also doted on his West Highland terriers and enjoyed tinkering around his home and garden.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; stepdaughter Kimberly Fullum-Martinez and her husband Jose Martinez of Newton, and their children Vladimiro and Sandrine; and his sister Joyce Beard of Hopedale. He also leaves nieces and their families: Alison and Andrew Chu of Mendon, and their children Samantha and Alex; Sheila and Seth Brosnan of Leeds, and their sons Tristan and Lucas; Jessica Kirchen of Maryland and her daughter Trinity; and nephew Christopher Beard of Minnesota. He was predeceased by his sister Patricia Lucas and stepson Timothy A. Fullum.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water Street, Milford. Burial will be private.
