James Edward McGovern, Sr., 86, of Essex Junction, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the McClure Miller Respite House after a brief illness with all six of his children by his side.

He was born in Burlington on December 2, 1937, the son of the late Martin and Mary (Mahoney) McGovern. James was raised in Richmond and served in the National Guard for three years after graduation. He later joined the McKenzie Meat Packing Company and had a successful career as a member of Teamsters Local 597. On June 7, 1958, he married Maureen Mace at the Immaculate Mary Catholic Church in Williston.

James had an unwavering love for his family, friends, and a zest for life. He enjoyed shuffleboard, racing, an immaculately clean car, outdoor yard work, spending winters in Melbourne, Florida, and summers at the family camp on Colchester Point. James took great pride in his Irish heritage and cherished his trip to Ireland with Maureen.

He is survived by his six children and their spouses: Diane LeBlanc and husband Michael of Colchester, Linda Reickert and husband Frank of North Carolina, Pam Mallow and husband Michael of Jericho, Carolyn Prior and husband David of Jericho, James E McGovern, Jr., and wife Jennifer of Essex Junction, and Kevin McGovern and wife Christy of South Hero. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Nacole Greenwood and husband Michael, Matthew Reickert, Michelle Boylan and husband Lance, Ryan Mallow and fiancé Chelsea, Jessica Place and husband Chad, Taylor O'Brien and husband Colin, DJ Prior and wife Rebekah, Nicholas McGovern, and Macey McGovern; as well as seven great-grandchildren with an 8th on the way: Cole and Kenley Greenwood, Camden and Kenzi Place, and Mason and Eleanor Boylan, and Chase O'Brien. James is also survived by his sister-in-law, Alice McGovern; one nephew Todd McGovern; and two nieces, Cathy McGovern and Kelli McGovern; and lifelong friend Kathy Adams and many friends and family. He was predeceased by his in-laws Howard and Lynn Mace, brothers Richard and Peter McGovern, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and doctors for their exceptional care and kindness at McCLure Miller Respite House.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Lawrence Church, Essex Junction. A private interment will take place at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Richmond in the spring. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm at Gifford Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 22 Depot St. in Richmond, VT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Hwy., Colchester, VT 05446 or charity of your choice.