James "Jim" Francis Legier of Plaistow, NH, died peacefully in the comfort of his home on May 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 80 years old.

Born on May 4, 1946 in Medford, MA, to the late Donald and Mildred (Romano) Legier, he went on to graduate from Cambridge Rindge and Latin before attending Northeastern University in Boston, MA. There, he would meet the love of his life Barbara "Barbie" in 1966. Two years later they would marry. Jim graduated from Northeastern University College of Engineering with a degree in Industrial Engineering while also enrolling in the Army ROTC. He later went on to join the Army Reserves, fulfilling that duty in 1971 while earning the rank of Captain.

From there, Jim spent the majority of his working life as a manager in the Metal Fabricating Industry. It was during this chapter of his life when he and Barbie settled down in Lynn, MA, and started a family. A proud and devoted father to daughter Victoria and son Phil, he took an active role in supporting their athletic careers. Whether watching on the sidelines or coaching basketball and baseball, he loved every moment of it. Of the hundreds of games they played, you could count on one hand how many he wasn't able to attend. He would carry this love and adoration with him many years later when his grandchildren started playing sports.

The next chapter in his life would see him become a member of the Masonic Lodge of Lynn and later the Aleppo Shrine in Wilmington, MA. It was here, where he would find one of his "callings": becoming a member of the clown unit. Known as "Legs" and "Papa Smurf," he would bring smiles and happiness to thousands of people during the many parades, circuses and visits to the Shriners Burn Institute in Boston. The passion and dedication he demonstrated was recognized by his peers when he was selected as Boss Clown from 2007-2009.

Jim's passion for bringing joy into the lives of children would culminate around 2014 when many would say he found his "true calling": taking on the role of Santa Clause. For his remaining years, he devoted each Christmas season towards greeting children of all ages, bringing them hope, love and joy. A proud member of the New England Santa Society and the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, he took great pride in having the perfect beard. He was indeed the perfect Santa. He was thrilled this past Christmas season when his grandchildren Josh and Mackenzie saw him as Santa for the first time.

Jim's life was committed to providing the very best for his family as he continued working long after retirement as a driver for Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH. He loved playing cribbage, watching tv with his dog by his side and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Barbie (Harthan) Legier of 58 years, his son and daughter-in-law Phil and Erin Legier of Charlton, MA, and his daughter and son-in-law Victoria and Kevin Trone of Plaistow, NH. He is also survived by his grandchildren Harry and his wife Sydney, Max, Josh, and Mackenzie and great grandchildren Savannah and Oakley.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours to be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 4-7pm at Brookside Chapel and Funeral Home at 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children or Exeter Hospital - Office of Philanthropy.