James Edward Couture

James Edward “Jim” Couture passed away in his home surrounded by his family who loved him on August 6th.

Jim was born on February 14th, 1943, in Gardner, Massachusetts. He was the youngest of six siblings in a family who spoke French as their first language. He was an altar boy who gently tormented the nuns at his parochial school.

He and his family moved to Mount Airy in 1984, where he lived until his death. He worked at the LS Starrett Company for almost 40 years where he was Service Manager.

An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Jim loved fishing, hunting, foraging, and beekeeping. At the end of his life he kept 4 healthy and active beehives, which he loved. He was generous with sharing their honey with loved ones—and anyone else who asked. Jim also enjoyed feeding the backyard birds and gardening, and always had an ongoing outdoor project.

Jim was often irreverent but he cared deeply and had a huge heart. He was devoted to his wife Mary, to whom he was married for 58 years. He had a strange and mischievous sense of humor and a sharp mind, and he always stuck up for the underdog. Jim taught his daughters to love nature and to meet the world with a sense of wonder and appreciation as well as a strong dose of skepticism.

Jim was a proud Shriner and devoted member and past Master of the Granite Lodge #322 A.F& A.M.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Jennifer and her wife Mallory, and daughter Beth and her spouse Esteban. He is also survived by his brother Gerry and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He also leaves behind many loving Lodge brothers and friends.

A celebration of life and Masonic Rites will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Airy at 1 PM on August 20th.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.