DEXTER - James Joseph Lagasse, 85, passed away peacefully September 30, 2020 at Penobscot Valley Hospital. He left behind an indescribably lucky family including four children, a slew of outstanding grandchildren and two beautiful great-granddaughters. "Pep", as he was known by the latter, was born in Old Town on December 13, 1934 to Albert and Alice (Dionne) Lagasse. Jim grew up on French Island and was more than proud of his upbringing and would spin wild tales of his early years on the Island at any opportunity. He attended Old Town schools before continuing his education at Husson College. After Husson, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Jim married his beloved wife, Donna (Crawford) Lagasse, on October 25, 1958. After marriage, he began his career with the Retail Clerks Labor Union traveling the country organizing workers before relocating to Dexter and purchasing the IGA from his brother Pete. He successfully operated Jim's IGA for several years before the store was destroyed by fire. He was an avid New England and University of Maine sports fan. He enjoyed cigars, good food, and his family. He could spend hours reminiscing about times long past. Left to cherish his memory are his children, daughter Karen Sauls (Terry) of Villa Rica, GA, son Mark Lagasse (Wendie) of Glenburn, daughter Gail Jewett (Jay) of Dexter, and daughter Beth Lagasse of Patten; his grandchildren, Sara Lagasse and significant other Xavier of Sunnyvale, CA, Kody James Chase (Danielle) of Monroe, LA, Brad Chase (Cassandra) of Clinton, Danielle Lagasse and significant other Matthew of Gorham, and Lucas Jewett and his fiance, Kate Myers of Dexter, will long cherish his memory, as will his great grandchildren Kaelyn Marie Chase of Clinton, and Adelaide Hart Chase of Monroe, LA. He is also survived by his sister Connie St. Louis of Old Town, sisters-in-law Elda Lagasse, Retha Crawford, Barbara Crawford, brother-in-law Ditson Welch, as well as lifelong friends Art and Amy Morin of Old Town and many other family members and close friends. He was predeceased by his precious wife of 60 years, Donna; his brothers, Pete, Buck, and Pat; his sisters, Yvonne, Cite, and Marie; as well as his grandson, Kyle Alan Chase. Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be a private graveside service at a future date. In-lieu-of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to the Corinna Post # 73, American Legion, P. O. Box 1, Corinna, ME 04928.