Dr. James P. LaHive

Dr. James P. LaHive, age 65, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his home in Sharon, Massachusetts, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on September 12, 1959, in Quincy, Massachusetts, Jim was the cherished son of Paul A. and Rose K. (Foster) LaHive. He grew up in Quincy and graduated from Quincy High School in 1977, where he laid the groundwork for a life defined by curiosity, kindness, and discipline. It was during his junior year that Jim discovered a passion for swimming, joining the school’s team with a natural talent and unwavering determination. He quickly rose to become one of its top competitors, setting records in nearly every event he entered, all while remaining humble and consistently encouraging his teammates.

Jim continued his education at the University of Maine at Orono, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981. After returning home to Quincy, his passion for learning led him back to the classroom, this time at The New England College of Optometry in Boston. There, after years of dedicated study, he earned his Doctor of Optometry degree, embarking on a distinguished career devoted to helping others.

Jim spent the majority of his career at HealthDrive, providing essential eye care to nursing home residents who often lacked access. Jim approached every appointment with patience and compassion, taking pride in delivering thorough, respectful care. Over the years, he helped preserve the vision of countless individuals, retiring in May 2022 after a meaningful career.

On October 11, 1986, Jim married the love of his life, Mary Ann Greene, at Saint John’s Church in his hometown of Quincy. They began their life together in Billerica before settling in Sharon in 1990, soon after welcoming their two daughters, Katie and Christine. Becoming a father brought Jim immense joy. He cherished family time, reading to his girls every night before bed, embarking on countless outdoor adventures, and spending many years coaching them in swimming.

The family treasured their annual trips to Lake Morey in Vermont and camping at White Lake State Park in New Hampshire with family friends. These getaways were filled with hikes through New England’s mountains, cozy campfires, and visits to Storyland. Jim had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found great joy in sharing those moments with his family, creating lasting memories in nature’s embrace.

Jim was a lifelong athlete with a passion for staying active. He built and customized his own bikes, relished long weekend rides with friends, and faithfully completed his training routines. His love for swimming endured as a member of the Masters Swim Team at the Hockomock YMCA, where he not only continued to compete but also designed workouts for the team. Jim also served for many years as a coach for the Sharon Rec Swim Team, where he shared his deep knowledge and passion for the sport. Jim’s passion for athletics extended beyond swimming and biking, he was also a dedicated triathlete and runner. He coached many athletes in triathlon training and was an active member of a local triathlon group.

Jim’s adventurous spirit led him across the world with his family, exploring not only the beauty of New England, but also the landscapes of Canada, France, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England. With Mary Ann by his side, he could often be found kayaking on Lake Massapoag or hiking the trails of Moose Hill. The two also hiked the rugged terrain of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, summited Mount Snowdon in Wales, and trekked around Mont Blanc in the French Alps. Every Thursday Jim looked forward to meeting up with good friends to hike the trails at Gilbert Hills State Forest in Foxborough - rain, snow, or shine.

Jim loved spending time outdoors and was a passionate gardener. On weekends, he was often found outside, immersed in a new project in the yard. With a creative and resourceful spirit, he built many features of the outdoor space, including but not limited to a fish pond, shed, elaborate home for the pet rabbits, fire pit, outdoor playset, rock walls, and a beautiful garden. His garden was a true highlight, vibrant and well-tended, filled with a variety of flowers and homegrown vegetables.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, humility, sharp wit, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, patients, and passions.

He was the beloved husband of Mary Ann (Greene) LaHive, and the loving father of Katie M. LaHive and her fiancé Chris Wade of Quincy, and Christine E. Reynolds and her husband Andrew of Foxborough. He was the cherished grandfather (Obi) of Ruairi, who brought him immense joy.

He is survived by his sisters Patricia Kerins (and her late husband Joseph) of North Conway, New Hampshire, and Dr. Karen LaHive and her husband James Cormier of Williamsburg, Virginia. He was predeceased by his sister Susan Columbus of Weymouth, MA.

Jim is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 59 Cottage Street, Sharon, at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mass Audubon's Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary by visiting https:/www.massaudubon.org/, selecting “Donate” and choosing “Moose Hill, Sharon” or by mailing at check to the Development Office, Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, with “Moose Hill, Sharon” in the memo line.