The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
8224 Danforth Road West, Cobourg
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
8224 Danforth Road West, Cobourg
Fairview Cemetery
County Road 2, Grafton
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
James Alphonse LaFrance, affectionately known as Jim, Coke, or Coco, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, in Cobourg, Ontario, at the age of 88.
Born on March 27, 1937, in Lachine, Quebec, Jim lived a life marked by humility, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his faith and family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marla, and their sons: Darrell, Robin (Terry), David (Lori), and Jamie (Kathy). Jim was a proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his loving sisters, Vivianne and Lise.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Leopold and Aline LaFrance, and his siblings: Jeannine, Rita, Robert, Pierre, and Michael.
A skilled and dependable tradesman, Jim began his career as an autobody technician, later working as a body man and eventually as a pipe fitter with the Toronto Transit Commission, where he dedicated 27 years of steady, committed service. A testament to his resourcefulness and work ethic, he also built two family homes—one in Scarborough and one in Baysville.
Jim had a deep love for the outdoors. He found joy in carving walking sticks, spending time with his dogs, and enjoying nature. He appreciated quiet pastimes like reading western novels and watching slapstick comedies and classic spaghetti western films. A steady and loving presence, Jim never missed a family event and always put others before himself—especially Marla, whose needs he unfailingly placed above his own.
Known for his dry wit and playful sarcasm, Jim was a gentle jokester who loved to tease those closest to him. He was patient, easygoing, humble, and dependable—someone others naturally turned to. His quiet strength and consistent kindness earned him the deep respect of everyone who knew him.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jim served faithfully in the bishopric and especially cherished working with the youth. He led annual canoe trips, supported charitable causes, and lived his faith through quiet service and example.
Jim will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was: a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a kind, humble man who brought peace and steadiness to the lives of those around him.
Funeral Services will be held at the Cobourg Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (8224 Danforth Road)
on Friday, September 5:
• Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
• Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.
• Interment and Reception to follow
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via Zoom:
🔗 Join Zoom Service
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre in Cobourg in honour of Jim’s memory.
Jim's passing is a loss for not just his family, but for the whole world. We need more people to be like him. He will be sorely missed. I am so glad Marla and some other family members were able to be with him as he passed.
To Marla and family. I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of a great man. Jim cared not only about his family but also his friends. My dad and him developed a special relationship and always made sure they spoke to each other every Sunday at church. When dad started to lose his vision his Sundays went complete until he heard a familiar voice say hi buddy. After dad passed Jim would come up to me and say are you behaving yourself to which I'd respond no thats no fun. We both would have a good chuckle. He always asked how I was and if I needed anything. That was the kind of man he was.