James Backus

FITCHBURG - James “Jimmy” Backus, 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance, Leominster Campus.

Born and raised in Kingsbury, NY, Jimmy was a son of Richard Guy Backus of Putnam, NY and Orpha May (Vaughan) Backus of Kingsbury, NY. The youngest of seven children, Jimmy was predeceased by his older siblings: brother Royce Backus; sisters Doris Irene (Backus) Manley, Dulcie Fern (Backus) Knickerbocker, Vera Inabelle (Bakus) Rainbow, and twin sisters Elva Vita (Backus) Washburn and Elma Vida Backus. His siblings are buried in upstate New York.

Jimmy lived for most of his life in Princeton and later Sterling, before moving to Fitchburg several years ago. He was a charter member of the Sterling Seventh-day Adventist Church where he had many close friends. Kimmy was a familiar sight as he rode his bicycle to and from church services in Sterling and Camp Meetings in South Lancaster. He worked for many years as a farmhand, during which he kept the Sabbath, and faithfully paid his tithe. Over the years, Jimmy shared many interesting memories from his life on the farm. A friendly, easy-going gentleman, he was also blessed with a keen sense of humor, and his most treasured possessions were his extensive collection of Disney memorabilia. Jimmy will be missed and remembered by his many friends, which include his devoted caregivers from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services,

A graveside service and interment in Sterling’s Hillside Cemetery will occur on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD, 20904, www.adra.org , 1-800-424-ADRA. Arrangements are under the care of the Miles-Sterling Funeral & Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling.