AUBURN — James T. “Big Jim” Heroux, 74, of 26 Amherst St., Auburn, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 14, with his daughter and wife by his side from complications of diabetes at the Hospice House.

He was born in Fiskdale, Mass., Sept. 24, 1938, the middle child of William E. and Agnes P. (Dubois) Heroux.

He graduated from East Providence High School in East Providence, R.I., and immediately entered the U.S. Army for which he is was proud of. After his discharged, he came to Auburn, where his mother, father, brother and sister lived.

On May 20 1961, he married Elaine N. Ott of Auburn and on March 15, 1962, they had their only child Debra L. They bought their first home on 27 Monroe St., Auburn and enjoyed 25 years their before moving in with the In-laws in 1996.

Big Jim worked for Seltzer and Rydholm in Portland for more than 30 years and was a true company man. He enjoyed anything Pepsi and loved talking about his days on the job.

For 40 years, he worked a second job at Sim’s Restaurant in Auburn doing maintenance and odd jobs. Throughout his life, he enjoyed the many people he met along the way.

Big Jim was always a good neighbor and friend to all and he would help anyone that asked. He had tremendous respect for his in-laws, Leonard and Dorothy Ott, who predecease him.

Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Elaine; his daughter, Debra; his grandson, Leonard James Bradbury; his sister, Marie (Arthur) Picard; a neice, Linda Neilson of Arkansas; two stepgrandsons, Richard Bradbury Jr. and Christopher Salley; a special cousin, Donna Bennett; adopted son, Herb Carver; and best friend, Dick Bouchard.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, William “Butch” Heroux; and special uncles, Wilfred Bennett and Frank Clark.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of CMMC ICU and the Angels of the Hospice House who helped him live his final days with peace, dignity, love, laughter and respect.