On September 10, 2026, our beloved Jas, Dad, Jim, Jimmy, Grandpa, Grandpa Jim, and Papa left us as he had chosen to live—on his own terms and surrounded by those he loved: his wife, his five children, and his sister, with the comforting presence of his large and loving family nearby. Although distance and time prevented some of his closest family members from being there in person, they were with him in spirit and held him close in their hearts during those difficult final moments.

The many names Jim was known by speak to the many special places he held in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be remembered most for the love he shared, the family he cherished, and the many memories that will continue to bring comfort, laughter, and connection to those who knew him.

At the heart of Jim's life was his family, and he showed his love more through what he did than what he said. If he was picking on you or giving you a hard time, you knew you were loved. He was always ready to help repair a child's or grandchild's vehicle—although "help" often meant supervising while they did the work themselves. Jim believed in teaching people how to fix things rather than simply fixing them for them, and whenever frustration set in, his familiar advice was, "Don't let it beat you." He loved his tools, tinkering in the garage, house projects, and caring for his lawn. He took equal pride in keeping his and Jill's vehicles clean and gleaming, with interiors generously coated in Armor All—making every car ride just a little more memorable. His helpful nature extended throughout the neighborhood, where he cleared snow for neighbors past and present and was always ready to lend a hand. As the unofficial president of the neighborhood watchdog chat group, Jim made sure no unusual sighting went unreported, and everyone took great pleasure in comparing notes about whatever—or whoever—had appeared on their cameras. He also enjoyed hunting camp with its scenic access road and decidedly five-star amenities. He rarely missed his grandsons' sporting events or a special occasion, and he never let the people he loved go without, offering help before they even had to ask. Jim was famously regimented about his schedule: Tuesday nights were for phone calls with his brother, and Wednesdays meant dinner with his sister and wife, with each taking a turn choosing from their favorite handful of restaurants. And you knew better than to try to make plans with him on laundry day or trash day—those commitments were not to be moved. Annual family camping trips to Lake Willoughby and Crystal Lake were among the times he treasured most, and he looked forward to them every year.

Jim met Jill at IBM, beginning a marriage that would span 56 years. They were married on a stormy night in March, when winter weather kept many loved ones from joining them. Jim was already a father to Michael, Debby, and Cristy, and together he and Jill later adopted Jason and Jamie from Central and South America, completing the family they built and cherished.

Jim graduated from Burlington High School in 1964 and went on to serve in the Vermont National Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class and overseeing the motor pool for the 131st Engineer Company. He worked at IBM. His varied working life reflected his practical skill and independent spirit: he was a self-employed Snap-on Tools dealer, owned and operated the Shelburne Getty gas station, worked for Allied Freight Systems and in airfield maintenance at Burlington International Airport, and later served as Chief Inspector at Aviatron.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jill; his children, Michael Soter (Erika), Debra Tate (David), Cristy Monty (David), Jason Soter (Amber), and Jamie Burke (Joesph); his brother, Jon Soter; and his sister, Diane Soter (partner Bill). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Casey Dimeo (Chris), Paige St. Martin (Eric), Jacoby Soter, Garrett Soter, Benjamin Tate (partner Mikayla), Andrew Marcotte (Victoria), Nicole Caron (Kyle), Robert Marcotte, Kathryn Monty, and Allison Monty; his great-grandchildren, Levi, Luke, Easton, Bryce, and Lily; his nephews, Brannon Soter (Trish) and their boys, Justin Soter (Annabelle), and Danny Goodrich (Kim) and their family; his nieces, Cheryl Charland (Walt) and their family, and Angela Chapman; as well as many cousins who remained a cherished part of his extended family.

Jim was predeceased by his mother, Marge; his father, Ted; his father-in-law, Phil; his mother-in-law, MaryJane; his sister, Angelina; and his nieces, LeeAnn, Grace, and Rosie.

Jim's love was found in the things he did, the lessons he shared, the help he offered, and the laughter that followed his teasing. His family will carry him with them in every project that refuses to cooperate, every gathering filled with familiar stories, and every reminder not to let it beat you.

A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. A service and celebration of Jim's life will be on Wednesday, September 16, at 11:00am at First Baptist Church, 81 St. Paul St., in Burlington.