James Edward Wimsatt

Concord, NH — James Edward Wimsatt, 89, passed away on March 20th after a period of declining health. He was born on May 26, 1934, in Bardstown, Kentucky, one of 13 children of John Bradley and Mary Theresa (Yates) Wimsatt. Jim began his life as a Kentucky farm boy.  At the age of 6 he was assigned 5 cows to milk and he worked hard to help his family raise tobacco as a cash crop and live off the land.  

At the age of 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  In 1956 while stationed at Pease Air Force Base he went on a blind date set up by fellow airman, Bob Martel, and met the love of his life, Pauline Marie Louise Desmarais. They married within a year, and embarked on their Air Force life, which included stations in England, Montana, Washington and Vermont.  They ultimately settled in Pauline’s hometown of Concord, New Hampshire, where they happily raised their four children.
Retiring after 20 years in the Air Force, Jim pursued a brief career in hotel management.  He then began a second 20-year career with the NH Lottery Commission. He started as a Labor Grade 1 stock clerk in the warehouse while attending NH College on the GI Bill. Through hard work, he advanced to become the NH Lottery Commission’s Executive Director. After retirement, he and Pauline enjoyed many years traveling the U.S. and Canada in their camper.  Jim also treasured visits to his boyhood home in Kentucky with his family, including annual hunting trips, and he was proud to share the beauty and magic of the Bluegrass State with his children and grandchildren.  He also shared his love of fishing and hunting with his children and grandchildren, but never failed to spring for breakfast in a warm diner when it was too cold or the fish or the deer were uncooperative.  Jim enjoyed the simple pleasures in life—his family, a hot cup of coffee, and driving off a dealer’s lot in a new pickup truck.

Jim and Pauline were long-time parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, and Jim served for many years with the Christian Servants. Jim maintained a garden throughout his life, and loved to give fresh vegetables to family and friends.  Jim was handsome and charismatic, and the hint of a southern accent that he retained only enhanced his charm.  He was a pillar of strength for his family, who will miss him terribly.  
In addition to his wife and his parents, Jim was predeceased by 3 sisters, Louise Rapier Thompson, Josephine Edelen, and Mary Wimsatt, and 4 brothers, Johnny, Arthur, Gene, and Leon Wimsatt.  He leaves behind his siblings, Bev Wimsatt (Mary Annette), Marie “Totsy” Grigsby, and Geri Werkman all of Bardstown, KY; Earl “Duke” Wimsatt (Rosie) of Fairborn, OH; and Barbara Nett (Carl) of Eastview, KY. He was a devoted father to Colleen Sharka (Bill) of Roslindale, MA, Michael Wimsatt (Chiara) of Concord, John Wimsatt (Cathy) of Northwood, and Jennifer Bartlett (Douglas) of Wilmot. Jim was a wonderful grandfather to 11 grandchildren: Meredith (Dana), AJ (Sara), Zeb (Bess), Cole, Della, Brett (Colleen), Alex (Mamie), Evan (Mackenzie), Megan, Connor, and Leighton; and great-grandchildren Easton and Kellyanne. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

No words can sufficiently express the family’s gratitude to the dedicated and caring staff at Havenwood. Your love and kindness to Jim meant the world to him and to us.

Memorial visitation hours will be held on Tuesday, March 26, from 5-7 pm at the Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main St. in Concord.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, March 27, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 180 Loudon Road, Concord.

Burial, with military honors will  follow at 12 Noon at NH Veteran's Cemetery in Boscawen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Havenwood Heritage Heights, c/o Melody Lane Memory Care Unit, 33 Christian Ave. Concord, NH 03301 or the NH Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH 03109.