Obituary of Jim Lavigne

It is with immense sadness the family of James (better known as Jim) Joseph Lavigne (but also known as Jimmy, Jimbo, Jacques, Grampy Jim, Guppy, and Dad) share the news of his unexpected passing on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John, in 1956, Jim was a son of the late James and Nancy (Thorne) Levine, and beloved husband of Gayle (Johnson) Lavigne. The Saint John radio legend came from humble beginnings, growing up in a St. James Street cold-water flat on the city’s lower westside. He was a proud graduate of Saint John High School and went on to attend St. Mary’s University, where he met his best friend, and life’s love, Gayle. He would eventually return to Saint John’s lower westside to marry Gayle, start a family, and trade in his Pontiac Firebird for a minivan. It was just prior to the birth of his sons that Jim found his calling in broadcasting and began his illustrious, more than four-decade long, career. Jim’s quick-wit, sense of humor, and remarkable storytelling ability made him a perfect fit as a radio announcer. In his early days of working evenings, he crafted the beloved character of Jacques Culack, bringing him to the CFBC morning show; even going on to record the now classic, and highly collectible, cassettes sold around the city at the time. Jim would make his way back to mornings, this time using his own voice, and becoming one of the iconic personalities of Saint John radio. Many will fondly remember The Jim Lavigne Wake-Up Show on C98, or his time as host of The Breakfast Club on Country 94, where he relished the opportunity to share stories of his family with those tuning in. He also had a deep sense of pride for his involvement with the many charities his radio stations supported over the years. His family and his work on-air were the two things Jim loved more than anything else. He signed off the airwaves for the last time in 2022, retiring to spend more time with his family and grandchildren. Jim will be missed dearly by his loved ones and devoted listeners.

Jim is survived by his wife; Gayle, two sons; Jared (Natasha Kelly) Lavigne, of Saint John, Nicholas (Lisa Linardatos) Lavigne, of Montreal, two grandchildren; Benjamin Lavigne, of Montreal, Eloise Lavigne, of Saint John; one brother; Steven (Jean) Levine, of London, Ontario; and many, many other loving extended family members.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, James and Nancy, and aunts and uncles.

The family would like to thank Marjorie Young RN for her compassionate, extra-mural care of Jim during the last few years of his life, as well as the other EMP staff. Also, thank you to the nursing staff of 5CN, where Jim spent his very short, and final, hospital stay.

The arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (634 1701). A visitation will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023, from 12:00pm to 2:30pm. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023, at 2:30 pm at Castle “Fallsview” chapel. A reception will be held after the service at Castle funeral home. Donations to the Kidney Foundation, Bobby’s Hospice, or the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be made at www.Castlefh.ca