James M. Taplin

James M. Taplin of Nashua, NH, formerly of Townsend and Pepperell, MA died suddenly on July 29, 2023. James was born on November 26, 1943 in Lowell, MA to the late Francis Taplin and Marion (Murphy) Taplin.

James is survived by his partner of 30 years, Nancy Mahony, daughter Michele Condon, of Greenville, SC, son James Taplin, Jr. (Angela) of Piedmont, SC, daughter Rae Coppola, of Greenville, SC, and Nancy’s daughter, Heather (Paul) Nixon, of Townsend, MA, brother William Taplin, of Newburyport, MA, Grandchildren Rylie and Gavin Condon, Kayla and Justin Taplin and partner Hannah Stancil, Morgan (Dominic) DeSerio, Nicholas Stefan, Asa and Claire Nixon and great granddaughter Gabriella DeSerio. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim spent most of his childhood in various apartments throughout Lowell, with some welcome breaks at his uncle’s farm in the country. Due to the untimely death of his father, which left his mother reeling with grief, he quickly learned to fend for himself. Jim displayed resourcefulness and drive even as a child, proudly becoming the top soap salesman for the YMCA trampoline fund. During his teen years, Jim’s mother remarried and the family settled in Burlington.

His first official job was washing dishes at the Sylvania plant at the age of fifteen. Later, with the assistance of his brothers, he obtained his barber’s license. He was employed at the Hanscom Air Force base in Bedford, and later the Redstone Barbershop in Stoneham, MA. He charmed airmen of all ranks and regaled customers with his stories, embellished though they may have been. During the 1960’s Jim could see the writing on the wall. Barbers were becoming obsolete, and he needed to find a new profession.

Jim’s family meant everything to him, and he took great pride in providing well for them. Ever the entrepreneur, window washing would become his next venture. That business evolved into Taplin Industrial Cleaning, Mrs. T’s with Diane Taplin, and later, with his son, Taplin Landscaping, which was his true passion. He derived great satisfaction beautifying every property he owned, as well as that of anyone who requested his expertise. His own properties were never ‘done’ and he was working on yet another backyard project in his final days.

He treasured his children, grandchildren, and joyfully hosted gatherings for his entire family. He took pride in the fact that he could provide a beautiful setting, with the best of everything. Jim was always willing to give someone a chance, and to listen when anyone needed an ear. He was a hard worker, a kind and loving man, a mentor to many, and a generous friend, He was truly one of a kind, loved by many, and he will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his former wife Diane Gordon, infant grandson Shane Stefan, brothers Francis and Hallie Taplin, and sisters in law Adele and Ellen Taplin.

A Celebration of Life will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607 or https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/158250/?gclid=CjwKCAjww7KmBhAyEiwA5-PUSlihJemEkGezwUa-DA_o7qr0h-Tbb9esGVOKBtax8C5xsW7QVcbMWhoCsdUQAvD_BwE#!/donation/checkout?recurring=1&c_src=google&c_src2=general.