James J. Battye

James J. Battye, 74, a longtime Methuen, MA, resident, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2020, at Lawrence General Hospital. He was the husband of Vivien (Puglise) Battye, with whom he shared fifty-one wonderful years in marriage.

The son of Roland and Josephine (Saulenas) Battye, Jim was born, raised, and educated in Lawrence. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963 and in 1968, he married Vivien. Shortly thereafter, they settled in Lawrence for a short period before they relocated to Methuen to raise their sons.

A devout Catholic, Jim always believed that his faith in God rewarded him with a good, long life despite times of ill health. He his wife were sure to pass their strong sense of faith to their children. He was an active parishioner at St. Lucy throughout the years, though in his younger years, he attended Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence.

Everyone who knew Jim, knew only too well that he was a car enthusiast. He most enjoyed the older model muscle cars and owned many throughout the years. He also enjoyed spending time on the greens’ and never complained about a day of golf. While his sons were younger, he was involved in the Methuen Hockey League, serving as Assistant Coach, Coach, and League President, keeping him close to his boys. He always enjoyed spending time with his family. These were times that always brought a smile to his face.

A very handy man by nature, Jim was always eager to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors alike. He will be most remembered for his generosity.

Jim was predeceased by his brother Thomas Battye.

In addition to his beloved wife, Vivien, and his brother, William Battye, he is survived by his sons, Michael R. Battye and James M. Battye, along with his fiancé Rachel St. Jean, all of Derry, NH. He is also survived by his niece Kimberley Kendall, who was like a daughter to him; his grandchildren, Julia, Michael, Olivia, Samantha, Dylan, Desiree; great-granddaughter, Violet; and his loyal companion, his dog, Niko.

Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend visitation between the hours of 4:00 -7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at St. Lucy Church, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen. Interment will follow at St. Mary – Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence. Flowers can be sent or donations can be made to Heart Structural Service, 330 Brookline Avenue (OV) Boston, MA 02215 or to the American Diabetes Association, MA Chapter, 260 Cochituate Road, Suite 200, Framingham, MA 01701.