James Jacques, 8/18/1941 — 5/10/2026

James “Jim” Jacques passed away peacefully on May 10th, 2026 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on August 18th, 1941 to Robert & Wilma Jacques in Beverly, Massachusetts. He attended Beverly High School, where he specialized in the division of printing. In fact, his printing teacher Mr. Palmer got him started by donating equipment to him.  He was of the era of movable lead type and published his own local newspaper called “The Citizen” meticulously set letter by letter. Jim also trained in the lost art of being a Linotype operator. He had a wealth of knowledge of that bygone era and much of his equipment is now at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill.

Starting at Wilkscraft Printing in Beverly at age 17 setting type, Jim continued there until he joined the army in 1963. He had basic and advanced training at Fort Gordon and Fort Benning, Georgia. Jim loved the army, and after basic training, he was sent to South Korea. He was a troop clerk where he handled the records of hundreds of men in his troop. Jim also served as a bridge guard on the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea, considered hazardous duty.  Jim loved being in the army and perhaps Jim was the only person ever to have absolutely loved army meals.

After proudly serving his country, Jim’s time in the army ended in 1966 when he returned to Massachusetts, where he held a handful of jobs from printing diplomas to a brief stint in the post office. However, he would return to his boyhood job at Wilkscraft Printing. He met Ellen Ryno in 1968, introduced by a mutual friend, and they married on May 28th at St. Mary’s Church on May 28th, 1970. Jim & Ellen Jacques had two children, Allison and Matthew. 

He was dedicated to his job at Wilkscraft Printing until downsizing in January 1980 caused him to start his own print shop, J&E Graphics. Jim operated every aspect of his printing business by himself for over thirty-two years up until August 2012. It was an old-school operation using offset presses and film and negatives. He served perhaps hundreds of businesses and organizations around the north shore over that time period. 

In retirement Jim would be often seen working the yard on various projects. He kept busy with many hands-on projects over the years. He just kept going despite his age and diabetes. He was a cat lover and cats would naturally want to sit on his lap. He will forever be known for his resilience and perseverance throughout his life.

A graveside service for James will be held next Monday May 18, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Mt. Prospect Cemetery 202 Elm St. in Amesbury. 

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