NHTA mourns the loss of James A. Hawkins
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Hawkins. Jim was a dedicated member of the NHTA for many years, and was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2015.
We send our deepest sympathies to the Hawkins family.
James A. Hawkins
Webster, NH — James A. "Jim" Hawkins passed away November 26, 2021, at the NH Veteran's Home in Tilton after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
He was born December 21, 1939, to Christopher and Gracie Hawkins in Delavan, IL. After graduating high school in 1957, he served in the US Air Force 1957-1961, then returned to NH to work for Sprague Electric as a reliability engineer for 31 years.
Jim loved the outdoors, gardening with Linda, watching his favorite Boston teams and loved golf and archery. He was a member of the NH Trapper's Association, where he was past president and involved in the group responsible for reintroducing the Fisher to another state. One of his last contributions before his illness was assisting in the refurbishment of a boys and girls camp that was established to teach children outdoor skills.
He loved competition and that was evident in his golf game where he held a 9 average and two holes in one. Card games at his beloved family reunions were fierce and merciless but filled with love and laughter.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife Linda, of 37 years; daughter, Rebecca Philbin, her husband Tom of Penacook; daughter, Deborah Petrin, her husband Robert of Boscawen; daughter Jodie Boutwell her husband Joe of Webster; and a son Jeffrey Presby, his wife Heidi of Penacook. He loved his grandchildren Samantha Presby, Haleigh Boutwell, Brent LaClair, Matt LaClair, Megan Petrin, Tom Philbin, Tess Presby & Jordan Presby as well as his 4 great grandchildren, and his brothers, Gail Hawkins and Curt Hawkins.
He was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, Robert, Christopher, Leo and his sister, Marjadine.
A heartfelt thank you to Maureen Barton and Sandra Morse who started as caregivers but became family and are loved by Jim, Linda, Jodie and Joe. Dan Teague for giving Jim lasting memories and friendship. To the Welch Unit Staff at the NH Veteran's home, thank you for the exceptional care of Jim, welcoming and caring for him and his family and for being his family during the year-long pandemic when family couldn't be there. We are forever grateful for your kindness.
The family will receive visitors Monday, December 6th, 10:30am-12:30pm, at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 172 King Street in Boscawen. Interment with Military Honors will follow immediately at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of James Hawkins to NH Fish & Game Attn: Business office or online at www.wildlife.state.nh.us/funding/ or to The Alzheimer's Association, www. Alz.org/manh. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to www.phaneuf.net.