James A. George, 71

James Anthony George, 71, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully at Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Portsmouth, surrounded by his family.

James “Jim” was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on Aug. 30, 1954. He was the son of James Peter George and Juanita Blanche (Arnold) George. He grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, and attended the West Hartford public school system. He participated in football, basketball and baseball programs throughout his youth, including baseball in the West Hartford Boys League, the Alumni League, and the Junior American Legion Baseball team. He graduated from Conard High School in West Hartford, Connecticut, class of 1972. Jim was also a member of the school band where he played the clarinet, and developed a lifelong love of music.

Jim was a member of the State Championship West Hartford American Legion Baseball Team, and a participant in the Regional World Series, in Idaho, in 1973.

Jim attended Plymouth State College, Plymouth, and received his bachelor of science degree in physical education, and later earned his master's of administration at Plymouth State University. Jim was a proud member of the Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity, and “May the Spirit Never Die.” It was at Plymouth State where he met the love of his life, Diane.

Jim taught and coached at Eagle Hill School, Greenwich, Connecticut; Conners Emerson School, Bar Harbor, Maine; and Machias High School, Machias, Maine.

Jim then moved to the SAU 48 school district where he would remain for the entirety of his career. He was a physical education teacher and coach at Holderness Central School, Holderness, and then for 40 years he was employed at his beloved Campton Elementary School, “Home of the Foxes.” He started out as a PE teacher, coach of football, basketball and baseball. He was also a baseball umpire and basketball referee for numerous schools throughout the state. He went on to become the assistant principal at Campton Elementary, and eventually retired as the school principal. Upon retirement, Jim was humbled to have the Campton Elementary School gymnasium named after him.

Jim enjoyed “oldies music” and going to concerts, Lebanese food, train rides, trips to the grocery store, car washes, and playing cards. He loved watching and attending football, basketball, and baseball games. He was a proud parent who enjoyed watching his children play sports. He was thrilled when he and his family travelled to Orlando, Florida, to watch his sons win the Pop Warner National Football Championship, in 1997. He gave back to his community in many ways, including volunteering as president of the Plymouth Regional Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading Association, and ran the clock for the Plymouth Regional High School football team’s home games. “Go Bobcats!”

His kindness, compassion, and patience toward others left a lasting impact on the community that went far beyond the classroom or the court. He was a patient and supportive listener, someone you could always rely on to be there in times of need, and he truly enjoyed helping others. He was grateful for the surrounding communities he lived and worked in, and most of all, he loved his family. He will be missed, and may God Bless Jidoo.

James is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Diane (O’Connor) George; his daughter Melinda Marie George and husband Darius Masalehdan; his son James Peter George and his wife Rachel (Lausberg) George; his son Joseph Paul George and his wife Alexandra DeBow George; and his four grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Joseph Augustine George, Molly Ann George, Penelope Grace George and Mary Bryant George; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Jim was a longtime member of the Holy Trinity Parish in Plymouth.

Calling hours will be held at the Dupuis Funeral Home, 11 Hill Ave., Ashland, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9. The funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Chapel, 2 West Shore Road, Bristol, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10.

Jim was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award. There will be a gathering open to the public at the Plymouth Elks Lodge 2312, 1159 New Hampshire Route 175, Holderness, immediately following the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Plymouth Athletic Club, 2 Langdon Park Road, Plymouth, NH 03264. For more information, visit Dupuisfuneralhome.com.