James Straz, 74, known to most as “Papa”, of Southborough passed Thursday June 5th 2025, peacefully at his home after a long battle with lung cancer.
James was born in Tom’s River, New Jersey on November 24th, 1950, to the late Thomas and Mary (Buck) Straz. He was a proud member of the Boilermakers Local 29, and worked tirelessly for his family until he retired.
There are truly few people that walked our world that have as much depth of character as our Papa. There wasn’t a problem he wouldn’t listen to, a topic of conversation he would shy away from, nor an unlevel desk that he didn’t have a perfect shingle to fix it with. His ability to find a screw to fit anything, and his inability to toss a manual out…even when that unit has since been relocated to the transfer station.
His love for his family grew with every passing moment that we were lucky to share with him. Be it attending his grandchildren’s dance and sporting events, endlessly pushing one of them on a swing, catching any number of woodland critters with them (much to the parent’s dismay…even though we knew said critter would end up taking residence in his home), or engaging in meaningful conversations about EVERYTHING. He loved to read, listen to his extensive vinyl collection, and walk…boy did he love to walk! There likely isn’t a square foot of the state parks he hasn’t explored.
While he was known by most as an incredibly hard worker (even through his treatments – always trying to make his Dr’s and Nurses proud!) the depth of his mind was one of a kind. His willingness to engage in meaningful conversation and constantly look to grow as a human being are what we should all stive to have in this world! He had his opinions, and you certainly knew them, but he was curious…not judgmental. If you found you had time with him in car ride, walk in the woods, on the phone, or just relaxing watching his grandkids play…he had a story. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was so wonderfully creative in everything he did.
Papa’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering love. He will continue to inspire us to appreciate the little moments, cherish our loved ones, and approach life with curiosity and compassion.
The love, lessons, joy of our beautiful natural world, and appreciation for the depth the 60s music scene had to offer, are carried on by his four children and their spouses (Melissa Finkler and her husband Forrest of Princeton, Justin and his wife Wendi of Southborough, Matthew and his wife Jackie of Southborough, and Bryan and his wife Heather of Westborough) and their mother Judy Luca of Marlborough, nine grandchildren (Owen, Ashley, Cortland, Hawthorne, Norah, Lilah, Jacob, Althea and Calvin, three surviving siblings and their spouses (Andrew and his wife Linda, Robert and wife Lois, and Margaret and her husband Brian), and many extended family and friends from every walk of life.
Friends (and strangers who Papa would have loved to meet) can visit with family at the Morris-Johnston Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Southborough, MA 01772 on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4:00-7:00PM
In lieu of flowers, take a day…find a park…and walk. Listen for the birds, enjoy the world…and know you’re in good company. If you would like to make a donation, please consider donating to the National Park Foundation.
(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)
