James A. Werme, Sr.

James A. Werme, 77, a lifelong resident of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, February 3^rd, 2024.

 Jim is survived by the love of his life, high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Michele (Marzilli) Werme; two sons, Thomas P. Werme and his wife Kirsten, and James A. Werme, Jr. and his wife Sally;  five grandchildren, Cameron, Olivia, Antonio, Giovanni and James III;  and great-granddaughter Mila.  Jim also leaves a brother, Paul Werme and his wife Brenda, and sister Janet LeGendre; brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Elaine Marzilli, Joseph and Peg Marzilli, and Karen Marzilli. Brothers-in-law Thomas Marzilli and Allen LeGendre, and niece Meredith Marzilli predeceased him. He was the son of the late A. William and J. Frances (Courtney) Werme.  He was the son-in-law of Samuel and Antoinette Palermo.

Jim graduated from North High School, then earned his bachelors and masters degrees from Worcester State College. He worked as a teacher and principal at Leicester Center School for 39 years, retiring in 2007. He also served as a union representative for his fellow educators at the Educational Association of Worcester. In addition, Jim served his country for 23 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard - 1^st Battalion, 181^st Infantry. He retired with the rank of Major. Loved and admired by family, friends and colleagues, as well as the thousands of students whose lives he touched, Jim was known for his constant smile, easy-going demeanor and great sense of humor.   

Jim’s favorite places were his classroom in Leicester and his summers in Onset, MA. Clamming in the bay, cooking on the grill and just sitting on the deck with family and friends is where he found joy and relaxation. A devoted father, he spent countless days supporting his sons and coaching their youth teams. He was a figure of strength, compassion and love to all those around him.

A period of calling hours will be held Friday, February 9^th from 9-11am am at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., before proceeding in procession at 11am to Our Lady of Rosary Church, 35 Fales St. where his celebration of Christian burial mass will be held at 11:30 am. Burial will follow in St John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrance in his name can be made to the Meredith Marzilli Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Northeastern University, 402 Columbus Place, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115-5005.