In Memoriam: James Todd

James Todd, a cook in Dining Services, died at Porter Medical Center on October 4. He was 46 years old.

Todd started working at Middlebury in September 2021 as a member of the College’s golf course maintenance staff. He left later that year, returning to the College in February 2025 as a cook in Proctor Dining Hall. He immediately established himself as a kind and dedicated team member willing to step in and help co-workers in need of support. 

Chris Laframboise, assistant director, board dining, said Todd was always ready to lend a hand by covering shifts in Atwater and Ross dining halls and in Laundry Services. “In his short time at Middlebury, James made a lasting impression through his kindness, teamwork, and willingness to help wherever needed,” he said.

An accomplished cook who worked in the catering and restaurant industries, Todd was born in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, Calif., and moved to Middlebury with his family as a youth. He was a goalie for the Middlebury Union High School lacrosse team, graduating from the Addison Repertory Theatre program (A.R.T.) at the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center. He later trained at the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School in Purcell, Oklahoma., and worked as a professional farrier.

Laframboise and Darren Zeno, Dining Services chef, recalled an instance when Todd bought a small fan for a co-worker during a particularly hot part of the summer to help cool off the Proctor cooking suite. “The gesture reflected his caring nature,” said Laframboise.

Zeno said Todd had many wonderful qualities. “He was kind, had a great attitude, and was sensitive, intelligent, genuine, and empathetic,” he said. “He would talk about how happy he was being a part of the crew at Proctor. He often cooked breakfast for the students and thrived off the moments when a crowd of them would come into Proctor.” 

A memorial service will be held at Kirk Alumni Center at the Middlebury College Golf Course on Wednesday, October 15, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Contributions in his name can be made to Turning Point Center of Addison County.