James P. LaValley

James P. LaValley, 45, of Kingston, New Hampshire, passed peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer.

Born in Newburyport, MA, May 12, 1981, Jim was the son of Paul Joel and Carol Anne (Hanshaw) LaValley. He graduated from Amesbury High School, Class of 2000, before earning his bachelor’s degree from Bentley College in 2004. Throughout his career, Jim pursued a variety of professional paths, including working as a self-employed day trader, but no title ever fully captured who he was.

Jim can best be described as a Renaissance man and a lifelong learner. He possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world, people, and what it meant to live a meaningful life. Ali often teased him that he enjoyed collecting certifications and letters after his name. But Jim wasn’t motivated by credentials. He pursued knowledge to better understand people, and ultimately to share what he learned with others.

His passion for learning led him in many directions. He earned numerous certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, became a certified yoga instructor, and ultimately pursued a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Underneath each of these endeavors was the same purpose: helping people become healthier, stronger, and more fully themselves.

Jim’s fascination with balance began in childhood through his study of Buddhism. He was drawn to the harmony of yin and yang, and that philosophy shaped the way he approached both martial arts and life. He found deep meaning in the lessons of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and yoga, embracing not only their physical disciplines but also the character, humility, resilience, and perspective they cultivated.

Jiu Jitsu became one of Jim’s greatest passions. As a dedicated practitioner and instructor at Spero’s Martial Arts Academy, he earned the rank of Black Belt and devoted countless hours to understanding the art beyond technique. He developed thoughtful and unique teaching methods that resonated with his students, taking as much pride in mentoring people as he did in their progress on the mat.

Jim also found joy in helping others grow through Toastmasters, where he continuously developed his communication and leadership skills while encouraging those around him to find their own voices.

What made Jim truly special wasn’t what he accomplished—it was how he made people feel.

He saw the good in everyone and genuinely believed in the goodness of humanity. He encouraged people to stretch beyond what they thought was possible while always meeting them exactly where they were. He was endlessly patient, deeply compassionate, and unfailingly kind.

Complete strangers often found themselves sharing their deepest fears, greatest challenges, and most personal stories with Jim while standing in line for a cup of coffee. There was something about his presence that invited honesty. He listened without judgment, reminded people of their own strength, and, for a little while, allowed them to borrow his belief in themselves.

Jim often reminded those around him that “everyone we meet is doing the best they can with the resources they have.” He lived that belief every day, extending grace even when it wasn’t easy and choosing curiosity over criticism. As he watched division grow within the country, it saddened him deeply. Rather than accept it, Jim sought to create meaningful conversations that helped people see their shared humanity. That commitment to his community inspired him to serve on Kingston’s Budget Committee and later run for State Representative. While he was not elected, he remained grateful for the opportunity to contribute to thoughtful dialogue and public service.

For all of his wisdom and compassion, Jim never took himself too seriously. He had an infectious zest for life and a quick wit that could light up any room. He had a gift for the perfectly timed one-liner or clever observation that left everyone laughing. Everything was an adventure with Jim—from vacations to an ordinary Tuesday. Life alongside Jim was filled with joy, humor, and countless stories.

Above all else, Jim’s greatest love was his family.

He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Alexandra (Ali) LaValley, and their two beloved children, Guinevere (Gwen) and Logan. Jim and Ali shared the kind of love that comes along once in a lifetime. Together they built a life centered on family, partnership, adventure, and continuous growth. Whether traveling together, skiing, spending summers on Cape Cod, building cherished holiday traditions, reading side by side, or attending conferences to learn together, they embraced life as true partners.

Jim was equally devoted as a father. He was an all-in dad who coached Gwen’s and Logan’s soccer and basketball teams, introduced them to Jiu Jitsu, helped them develop fitness and training plans, and found endless opportunities to teach life lessons through everyday moments. During the COVID pandemic, he put everything else aside to build structure, support their education, and ensure his children continued to learn and thrive. He believed that raising kind, resilient, curious human beings was life’s most important work.

Jim is also survived by his parents, Paul and Carol LaValley of Kingston, NH; his brothers, Joseph LaValley and his wife Shannon of Kingston, NH and Jay LaValley and his wife Ashley of Danville, NH; his brother-in-law, Andrew Gunn of Garrison, NY; his sister-in-law, Samantha Lopez and her husband Andrew of Carmel, NY; his nephews Jack LaValley, Sam LaValley, and Julian Lopez; his nieces Summer LaValley, Emersyn LaValley, Evelyn LaValley, and Catalina Lopez; and his dear friend, Chip Pate, along with many extended family members, students, friends, and neighbors whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

Jim inspired everyone he met to appreciate their unique gifts, be grateful for what they had, dream bigger, and walk this earth with a little more kindness. Those who had the gift of being in Jim’s orbit know they were the lucky ones. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim’s memory are invited to make a donation to Gwen and Logan’s college fund through the MealTrain established to support Jim’s family. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. (https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/7gvrln)

A Celebration of Life honoring Jim will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the South Hampton Town Hall, 3 Hilldale Avenue, South Hampton, New Hampshire.

Arrangements were made by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.