James D. Lancaster

James "Jimmy" D. Lancaster, 83, recently of Salem NH, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. He grew up in Andover, MA graduating from Andover High School in 1960. Jimmy enjoyed a 40-year career as a member of Local 4 Union of Operating Engineers. He worked on many specialized projects including, The Seabrook Nuclear Plant, The Big Dig, and The Outfall Tunnel on Deer Island, where he operated the Tunnel Boring machine until he retired. Jimmy was a highly skilled operator and was selected specifically for this job. He and his coworkers successfully completed the 9-mile tunnel from Deer Island, beneath the Atlantic Ocean.
After a satisfying career, Jimmy retired in 2001, threw away his alarm clock and watch, and never looked back. Jimmy married the love of his life, Jacqueline "Jackie" Devine in April 1969. They were happily married for 50 years until Jackie's passing in May of 2019. Together they raised five children, Aaron, Tara, Lorre, Kelley, and Dean in Haverhill, MA. Jimmy and Jackie enjoyed many family trips camping and fulfilled their dream of building their log cabin in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Jimmy completed the excavating of their land and built their log cabin with Jackie assisting on many things including the roofing. They enjoyed their blended natural talents of landscaping, creating beautiful gardens on all of their properties through their 50 years together. During retirement, he and Jackie traveled with friends to Canada, the Carolinas, Florida and Alaska. He loved nature and enjoyed their explorations. Jimmy loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Over the years, he and Jackie attended many of their grandchildren's school, sporting, dance events, and countless birthday celebrations. Jimmy loved celebrating the success of the Patriots for many years. He loved nothing more than weekly breakfast dates with his family at The English Muffin in Hampstead, NH. Jimmy discovered YouTube in his later years where his love of science and history came to life. He enjoyed car rides to Tripoli's pizza and loved his ice cream. Jimmy was a quiet soul with a dry, quick wit.
Jimmy leaves behind his beloved children, Aaron (Susan), Tara (Adam), Lorre, Kelley (Eric), and Dean. He also leaves his grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa, Ty, Jack, and Abby, Hanna and Mason, and Ryan (Tabitha) and Kyle (Jessica), Taylor (Shuli), Cassidy, Dillon, Olivia and Jacob, and Shane and Alex. Jimmy also leaves behind five great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his daughter Sharon and was predeceased by his son James. Jimmy is also survived by his sister Jane, brothers-in-law David and Joseph, and several nieces and nephews. Jimmy was predeceased by sisters Anne and Rita.
Arrangements are private and by the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home 42 Main Street, Salem, NH. To honor Jimmy, enjoy a family breakfast at a local eatery. To leave an online condolence, please visit Jimmy's tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.
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