12/10/2025
Obituary — James Roy “Jim” Bartlett
Surrounded by the love of his family, James Roy “Jim” Bartlett passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of kindness. He was born on August 18, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Roy Bartlett and Margaret (McCarthy) Bartlett. He grew up in Jamaica Plain with his older sister, Joyce, and younger sister, Jean, in a neighborhood where friendships lasted a lifetime and community meant everything. Those early values of loyalty, kindness, and hard work shaped the man he became.
At age 20, Jim married Regine “Jean” Izzi, and together they raised three children: Janine (born September 1964), James Anthony (born May 1966), and Sandra (born July 1969). In 1967, the family moved to Foxboro, Massachusetts, where they spent six years before making homes in Lincoln and Acton. Jim and Jean later divorced in 1977.
In 1978, Jim married Cynthia “Cindy” Jones, beginning a new and cherished chapter of his life. A year later, they moved to Lynnfield, Massachusetts, where they welcomed two children — Jay (born August 1979) and Melissa (born October 1982). Lynnfield was home for more than 40 years, filled with laughter, milestones, and good neighbors who became close friends. In 2023, Jim and Cindy moved into a nearby apartment, remaining part of the community they loved. Jim and Cindy shared a remarkable 47-year marriage, Cindy being the love of his life.
Jim began his career in 1965 as a draftsman and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Head of his Department at Raytheon Industries — a role that spoke to his talent, leadership, and dedication. During those early years, Jim also nurtured a passion for photography, working as a wedding photographer in his spare time — capturing joyful moments for others with the same care and attention to detail he brought to everything he did. He later joined Camera Stat Associates in Bedford, Massachusetts, before boldly stepping into entrepreneurship. In 1980, Jim co-founded ZBR, Inc. with partners Aaron Zohn, Hank Rosenblatt, and Les Boomhower. Under Jim’s leadership as Vice President of Production, ZBR grew into a highly successful printing company throughout the 1980s and 1990s, serving major clients such as Digital Equipment Corporation and IBM. As technology shifted and print gave way to digital solutions, the company evolved into GlobalWare — a transformation driven by the same innovation and adaptability that defined Jim’s career.
Outside of work, Jim lived for the people and passions that mattered most. A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, he cheered faithfully through every season. He loved coaching youth baseball and basketball and spent many happy summers on the field and in the gym with his son Jay’s teams — teaching not just the game, but the importance of fun, effort, and sportsmanship.
His other great passion was spending summers at the family lake house in Barnstead, New Hampshire, a place filled with tradition and generations of memories. Jim was in his element there: waterskiing on the lake, fishing from the dock with his grandkids, raking the beach to perfection, and hosting barbecues for family and friends. The lake was where he felt most at peace — surrounded by laughter, nature, and the people he loved.
Jim was also a lifelong animal lover, a passion he shared with Cindy. Together, they cared for many dogs and cats over the years, and their family even kept horses in their barn, each one a beloved companion. Animals always trusted Jim — they seemed to know they were safe, valued, and part of the family with him and Cindy.
Nothing brought Jim more joy than his role as Papa, or “Grandpa Jim,” to his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; his children Janine, James Anthony, Jay, and Melissa; his sister Joyce; and his eight grandchildren, who will forever carry his legacy forward: Peter Anthony, Nicholas, and Serena, children of Janine and her husband Peter; Isaiah, Nolan, and Hendrix, children of Jay and his wife Iris; and Sean and Henry, children of Melissa and her husband Joe.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Margaret Bartlett; his sister Jean and her husband Kevin; and his daughter Sandra, whom he missed dearly.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Maria Goretti Church, 112 Chestnut Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake Street, Peabody, MA 01960.
Jim’s presence was a gift — whether he was sharing a meal, a laugh, or lending a hand to those in need. Though he is no longer with us, the impact of his kindness, devotion, and generosity will continue to live on in our hearts and stories. He will be missed dearly, and remembered always.
Flowers are not permitted. For those who wish to honor Jim’s memory, donations to the Humane Society of the United States are greatly appreciated.
https://www.humanesociety.org/donate
www.cotafuneral.com