James Austin

1931 - 2021

James Austin

Lebanon, NH — James "Jim" Austin passed away on November 4, 2021, at the youthful age of 90. Jim's life up until his death was centered around three things – family, friends, and old cars -- and he was the best example of someone who lived life to its fullest. He was born in 1931 in Springfield, VT to Herald and Lilla (Gilman) Austin. Jim spent his youth in Springfield where he met the two loves of his life, Miriam "Penny" and antique cars, by way of a 1917 Model T Ford roadster purchased for $5.

Jim started his 40+ year dairy career at the age of 16, peddling milk from Idlenot Dairy, where he worked for 16 years before owning Honey Gardens Dairy in Lebanon, NH. He was the President of Billings Dairy, Chairman of the Vermont Dairy Council for 10 years, and continued to work and consult for a number of dairies after retirement.

Jim served in the Korean War, Army Sergeant 1st Class. He was honorably discharged in 1954, promptly married Penny, and moved to Charlestown, NH. By 1970 they had 3 children, a new business, and built a home in Lebanon, NH, where he bought and sold old cars for the rest of his life. Jim was actively involved in many antique auto clubs over the decades and loved driving and touring with his club friends. He also enjoyed spending time, particularly hunting season, at his second home, "the Farm" in East Haven, Vermont, where he regularly beat Bud and John in cribbage.

Jim loved people and accumulated friends of all ages. He remained youthful by being on the go and embracing life; always quick with a joke, fun story and giving a helping hand to anyone in need. His greatest gift was passing along his love of antique cars to his family. In 2000, Jim and Penny started what was to become the annual multi-generational "Family Antique Car Tour" – exploring the New England countryside there was no shortage of laughter, fun adventures, and yes, car breakdowns.

Jim is survived by his son, Jay, and his wife, Betsy, and their children, Lindsay, Peter, and Meredith; son, John, and his partner, John Porter; daughter, Shelly Nolfi, and her husband, Charlie, and their children, Grace and Emma; sister, Alta Clarke; brother-in-law, George Elms; sister-in-law, Wyllian Jarvis; sister-in-law, Patricia Danahey, and her husband, John; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and 22 nieces and nephews, who were near and dear to his heart.

A memorial service will be held in the spring to commemorate Jim's love of family, friends, and old cars.

We would like to thank the White River VA Hospital who took wonderful care of him during his stay.

Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.act.alz.org/donate.

To leave a message of remembrance, please visit the online guestbook at www.rickerfuneralhome.com.