James F. Kinhan

Good Morning. It is a good morning. I am sitting here in my bedroom looking out the windows, visiting with my daughter, Maryellen. The sun is bright. The temperature is warming. Together my daughter and I are writing my obituary. So if you are reading this then "I Am Here!" You may wonder did he say "I am Here?" Yes! And it's a good day because I have passed to the "Here".

It has been a sweet walk with cancer, with time to share, to visit, to laugh, to cry and to just know that getting to this "Here Place" is the arrival of my next step in my spiritual journey. Throughout this walk Ginny, my children, my family and my friends have walked by my side.

I was born in Quincy, Mass. and grew up in Salem Mass. I enjoyed a childhood of freedom and support. My parents, Sam and Em experienced addiction and they lived 49 years of recovery. Their example and way of life "one day at a time" left an imprint with me and guided me throughout my life. As I faced life's challenges I did my best although sometimes I fell short. The balance to this is; I was still open to the pool of love in my soul, to be a way to give back, reach out and welcome others. I re-discovered my spiritual path with the discovery of "My Ginny" and her entrance to my life on Edgemont Street. Through all these years I have been blessed with four loving children, Catherine, Maryellen, Kelly and Peter. Like many families, my children and I have known in's and out's, connections and disconnections, sweet times and challenging times – yet our relationships have grown deeper and more loving, touching hearts. And they are "Here" with me now.

My ever joyful brothers Mike and John survive me, may they continue to carry my spirit out to the fairways. I had a rich career filled with opportunity. I provided Mental Health Services in New York, Colorado and New Hampshire. As a counter balance I was able to have a fulfilling career as a volunteer in many community organization, schools, social support groups and the South Congregational Church in Concord.

Just as little children riding in the car… or maybe even adults.. might often ask are we there yet – meaning have we reached our destination to the "Here Place". I say Hallelujah! We all get there some day and today IS MY DAY! In these troubled times of our world it is important to hear and exchange our stories with each other. Listen and tell compassionately. Comfort one another, be ever mindful of the gifts you have and sing them a loud. I am famed for the hymn "This little light of mine" and I invite you to be open to hear the words of LIGHT and cherish the LIGHT and sign a loud the LIGHT.

Please celebrate my life with Ginny, my children, my grandchildren, family and friends. It is my hope this celebration will be full of joy, vibrant splashes of color, and singing loud and clear "This little light of mine – I am going to let it shine"

In lieu of flowers send donations to, Relief Society Endowment Fund, c/o South Church, 27 Pleasant St., Concord, NH 03301; or McDonough Scholarship Foundation, 61 North St., Manchester NH 03104. 

The Directors Excellence Award Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. Celebration service will be held Sunday, Oct. 16, beginning at 2 p.m. Both will be at South Congregational Church, 27 Pleasant St., Concord.