GILMANTON IRON WORKS — On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, James N. Locke, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away surrounded by his family, after a long battle with Parkinson disease. He was 84.
Born during the Great Depression, James was predeceased by his two brothers, Kent Jr. and Thomas; and parents, Kent D. Locke Sr. and Margaret Johnston Locke.
James graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to become a successful Entrepreneur. Born on a farm, Jim was no stranger to hard work. After working as a mason before and during his school years, he began his career in banking and then on to real estate developing. Eventually, he formed Locke Associates Inc. Real Estate in 1973 and New Hampshire Earth Mechanics in 1975, now known as Northeast Earth Mechanics.
Jim was best known for his quick-witted humor, fierce determination, generous spirit and car racing career. A visionary, he co-founded a bank, the well-known Locke Lake Colony development and Waterville Estates just to name a few.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Natalie Jean Price Locke; son, James N. Locke II, and his wife Tary; and daughter, Margaret Locke Emerson, and her husband Roger; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, brother- and sisters-in-law.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilmanton Community Church Iron Works building where Jim and Jean were married, currently known as the Harvest Church. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Neurology Department at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for brain research, https://dhmcalumdev.hitchcock.org/parkinsons_fund.
To express condolences, please visit www.peasleefuneralhome.com
(1) entry
Natalie
So sad to lean of Jim's passing. Always enjoyed my conversations with him as he walked through the Crystal Springs development. Jim wad a true gentleman who left a lasting impression on me. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pete Mulcahy
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