James Maynard

James A. Maynard, 72, died December 27, 2023. Jim died the way he lived—stubbornly but quietly, without fuss, and worried that he was inconveniencing others.

He was born in Nashua on March 5, 1951 to Ellen and Lucien Maynard as the second of ten children. He graduated from Nashua High School, and before that was schooled by the Sisters of Mercy (who showed little) at his lifelong parish of St. Christopher’s in Nashua. Jim loved learning, and was self-taught in many areas, including guitar, songwriting, history, philosophy and the art of arguing. As his loved ones say, “Hardly a book that’s worth reading that Jim hasn’t read; hardly a song that’s worth singing that’s not in his head.”

He lived for a short while in the Boston area, and served in the U.S. Army in Germany and elsewhere, but always called Nashua home. He served in the Army Reserves until his retirement. Even in the service Jim was notorious for getting lost, but he found his way through life with a smile, too many cigarettes, and a lot of songs, including those he wrote himself. He also found his way to Sharon, whom he loved dearly.

Jim had a heart of gold and the soul of an angel!

Jim was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers, Steven, Peter, Mark and Christopher. He leaves his mate, Sharon Elliot; his loving siblings and in-laws, Kathleen Casey Maynard, David and Patricia Maynard, Mary and Russell Arrowsmith, Susan and James Babineau, Kevin Maynard and Cindy Mugnier, and Elizabeth and Fred Lamb; plus a slew of adoring nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: No services are planned, as Jim unsurprisingly preferred. Remembrances can be made through donations to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester.

“All of our lives, we’ve been learning this one thing is true…..Loving Jim made you a much better you”!