James McKenna passed away peacefully at his home on March 10, 2024
Mr. McKenna lived the last few years of his life fighting cancer. He was surrounded with support from loving and caring Venture staff (who he considered family) at 21 Hope St. in Fitchburg and at 652 West St. in Leominster. Affectionately known as Jimmy, Jim and Jimbo, he will be remembered by his jovial personality, big heartedness and endless sense of humor.
Jim was born in Holyoke MA on 12/27/1961. He spent many years growing up in Belchertown, MA. As a teenager, he moved to Clinton where he attended and graduated from Clinton High School. Jim loved to talk about his ears in Clinton. He met his very good life-long friend, Janet, who predeceased him, during his ears in Clinton. As a young adult, Jim moved to the Fitchburg/Leominster area where he lived, thrived and made lots of friends.
Jim worked for many years in food service at The Woolworth's Harvest Restaurant in Searstown Mall. He later was employed in food service at Campus Pizza in Fitchburg and at the Coleman Street School in Gardner.
One of Jim's favorite things to do was walk to local coffee shops where he was well known and "shoot the breeze" with other customers and the waitress/waiters. In recent years, Jim absolutely loved sitting on the deck, drinking a cup of coffee, smoking a cigarette and enjoying the views wherever he was.
Jim loved traveling, often visiting Florida when he was younger. Recently, Jimmy loved basking on the beaches of Cape Cod and deep-sea fishing on its bat. In the fall, Jim traveled with a friend to The New Hampshire White Mountains. He enjoyed riding the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington, where he would have everyone on the train laughing while enjoying the scenery. Another favorite destination was Vermont, specifically, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Shop.
Jimmy loved life and he learned that every minute is precious. Jim departed this world wanting to accomplish and experience more, but he left a lasting impression on everyone he met, which meant more to him than anything else.
