Norwich, VT - James M. Maguire, PhD, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Jim was born on July 12, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA, to James F. Maguire and Carmen Carames. At age 16, he moved to Rhode Island to be closer to his father. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and initially received orders for Vietnam; however, at the last minute, his assignment was changed, and he was deployed to West Germany instead. He was very proud of his time in the military.

After completing his military service, Jim returned to Rhode Island and began working as a respiratory therapist. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Rosanne, an RN working at the same hospital. They married on September 6, 1975, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Warwick, RI. In 1984, they moved to Florida, and in 1990, they settled permanently in a home they built in Norwich, Vermont.

Jim's natural curiosity, jovial spirit, and openness made it easy for him to form deep and lasting friendships, both personally and professionally. He was a gifted storyteller with a great sense of humor—always ready with a joke or a tale. His career as a scientific lecturer specializing in respiratory therapies and medical device interventions took him across five continents and to every U.S. state except Alaska. His family often joined him on these adventures, sharing in a rich diversity of cultures and experiences.

Jim was always a true Renaissance man. In his youth, Jim was a soccer player, as well as a ballet dancer, and sailor. Over the years, his love of dance endured, and his passion for sailing evolved into canoeing, kayaking and fishing on the Connecticut River with his family. He was also an avid genealogy researcher, a student of history, and a devoted soccer fan—rarely missing a chance to cheer on his favorite team, Manchester United.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of fifty years, Rosanne Maguire of Norwich, VT; his four children: Wendi Smith and her husband Nigel of Califon, NJ; Meghan Kemp and her husband Matthew of Brewster, MA; Matthew Maguire and his wife Jennifer of O'Fallon, IL; and Ashley Schuyler and her husband Matthew of Bedford, MA. He is also survived by his sister, Lee Chiardio of Huntingdon Valley, PA; his parents-in-law, Barbara and John D'Arezzo of Cranston, RI; and ten cherished granddaughters: Austin, Amanda, Cali, Fiona, Coco, Molly, Delilah, Penelope, Quinn, and Zoey. He leaves behind many other cherished relatives and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his father, James F. Maguire; mother, Carmen Carames; stepfather, Carlos Ramos; brother, Ronald Maguire; and two stepbrothers, Thomas and Albert Ramos.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 820 Providence Street, West Warwick, RI 02893.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Post 8, 228 Beaver Meadow Road, Norwich, VT 05055, or the Norwich Lions Club, PO Box 854, Norwich, VT 05055.

Arrangements are under the care of Knight Funeral Home, White River Junction, VT. Online condolences may be shared at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.