Maurice "Jim" Machia BFA Class of 1952 dies at age 85

Fairfax - Jim Machia, 85, lived a long and happy life. Jim passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at St. Albans Health and Rehab in St. Albans. He was born on March 3, 1934 son of the late Seymour and Lottie (Cherrier) Machia and grew up in Fairfax in a large family and stayed part of that community his whole life. He had a traditional Vermont upbringing, working on the farm with his siblings and living life the old fashioned way. His family would go to barn dances and those golden memories were very special to him.

He was very talented at making music and dancing and had a remarkable sense of rhythm on the dance floor. He served in the Marine Corps from 1952-56 and played trombone in the military band. Jim was part of the Fairfax Fletcher Westford Band and met many life long friends, and his wife Mary Jane there.

Jim was a carpenter for many years, and later retired from Milton Bradley in Fairfax. He made a lot of friends while working there and would continue to visit there for lunch after he had retired.
Jim enjoyed gardening and loved sharing that experience with his family. His brother Pete and his wife Cathy were great gardeners, too. Jim spent a lot of time at their home in Cambridge. They would finish working in the garden and spend time relaxing in lawn chairs on the back porch, chatting about the good old days.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his sister Lois and her husband Bert Gillespie at their home in Waterville. They played a lot of cards and visited with friends and family together. During deer season, Jim enjoyed spending time at camp with the Gillespie and Machia family. Being in the woods with his nephews and brother-in-law was very special to him.

The homes of Dalton and Grace Machia, Meredith and Cleon Gillilan, Paul and Margaret Machia, Joyce and DIck Allen, and Bruce and Sandy Machia were places he enjoyed spending Saturdays and Sundays, visiting with his family and getting to know their kids and grandchildren. Jim’s relationship with his entire family was something special that he cherished.

Jim was blessed with five daughters, and he enriched their lives with lots of love and happy memories. He encouraged all of them to play sports and coached a season or two of little league. When his grandchildren came around later in life he was happy to play ball and spend time outside with them.

Jim enjoyed taking walks and in his 70s started hiking in the Green Mountains. He was always young at heart and will be remembered for his kind spirit, hearty sense of humor and abundant love for life.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary Jane Machia, of Fairfax, his daughters Sherry Bean and husband Russell of Rochester, NH, Lynn Bushey and Bobby Ignjatovic of St. Johnsbury, Angela Boisvert of Jericho, Miranda Machia and Rodney Gaudette of Swanton, Martha Machia and Andre Languerand of Wolcott. His brother Bruce Machia and wife Sandy of Wallingford, sisters Meredith Gillilan of Fletcher, Lois Gillespie and husband Bert of Waterville, brothers-in-law John Ellsworth and wife Marje, Jim Ellsworth and Mary Spaulding, 8 grandchildren, Kenny and Daniel Bean, Jennifer Bushey, Amy Jewer, Jesse Bushey, Dreyken Ignjatovic, Brittany Boisvert, Michael Boucher III, 7 great grandchildren, Payton Bean, Trenton Bean, Jonathan Bushey, Trystan Moore-Lanphere, Cailyn Roberge, Tyler Jewer, Kaylee Jewer and many nieces and nephews.

He was also predeceased by his brothers and their spouses, Pete Machia, Dalton and Grace Machia, Paul and Margaret Machia, sister Joyce Allen, brother-in-law Cleon Gillilan and grandson Kyle Boucher.

Visiting hours will be held at AW Rich Funeral Home - Fairfax Chapel on Thursday September 19th from 5-8 pm. A celebration of life service will be held at the United Church of Fairfax at 11 am on Friday September 19th. A graveside service will be held immediately following, at Sanderson Corners Cemetery in Fairfax. Guests may join the family at the Fletcher Grange for a reception following the graveside service. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.