James "Jim" D. Pothier

Jim Pothier died peacefully on February 14^th at Granite VNA Hospice House with his beautiful daughter, Stephanie, by his side. 

Jim was born in Manchester, NH on February 8, 1957, to Lawrence and Marie Pothier (LaBrie). 

Jim grew up in a very large family, and over his lifetime, would go on to spend endless hours at large family gatherings. They would go camping, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing. Jim’s brother, Larry, had a camp near Caanan, NH that would bring crowds together to partake in Soap Box Derbies, hunting or just relaxing by the river with a fishing pole. 

Jim had a love for NASCAR, and over the years would watch many races on TV and would go on to attend as many as he could in person. He was an avid outdoorsman, and had a pure and deep connection with nature, especially birds. He loved to watch the birds out his windows and study them, in his many bird books.

Jim graduated in 1976 from West High School. After high school, Jim found his calling in the construction field. He was a hard worker throughout his career, and worked in the world of excavation where he ran many job sites over the years running large construction equipment. 

He loved Boothbay Harbor, Maine and was able to live there for many years before returning to NH in 2010. While in NH, Jim made a special connection with his good friend and neighbor Ray Braffitt. Jim and Ray would spend hours talking and reminiscing and Ray would always check on Jim when his health began to decline. 

Jim’s daughter Stephanie was the light of his life. He loved nothing more than watching her grow up into a beautiful woman and start a family of her own. He spent many hours watching Stephanie play soccer throughout high school and college. He was so proud of her, and she was his biggest accomplishment. Jim also adopted Stephanie’s older sister, Beth, when she was young. 

Those closest to Jim will always remember hearing him say “Can’t Complain, doesn’t help”, whenever he was asked how he was doing, which was a true testament to the simple and happy man Jim was. 

Jim was preceded in death by his loving parents Lawrence “Larry” and Marie Pothier (LaBrie) of Manchester NH, and is survived by his sister, Connie Gelinas (Bill) of Scarborough, ME, brothers, Larry Pothier (Brenda) of Florida, and John Pothier (Daria) of Auburn, NH, daughters, Stephanie Beaton (Lee) of Loudon NH, Beth Krause (Jim) of Boscawen, NH, grandchildren, Emmery Beaton and Donovan Beaton of Loudon, NH. 

A mass will be held on March 5^th at 11:00 AM at the Parish of Transfiguration (305 Kelly Street Manchester, NH 03102). In Lieu of flowers, donations to Granite VNA Hospice House (240 Pleasant St. Concord NH, 03301) would be greatly appreciated.