James Lester "Jim" Loomis

James "Jim" Lester Loomis

James "Jim" Lester Loomis, 75, of Dover, N.H., passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, after a period of declining health. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Jim was widely known as the co-founder of Portsmouth-based Bottomline Technologies.

Born on March 4, 1950, in Ogdensburg, N.Y., Jim was the son of Lester George Loomis and Doris Anne McCullough. He spent his early childhood in Canton, N.Y., before moving to Westwood, Mass. He attended the Roxbury Latin School in Boston and graduated from Westwood High School in 1968.

Jim met the love of his life, Anne Yvonne Granger, while attending RPI in Troy, N.Y. The two married in 1971 in Anne's hometown of Massena, N.Y. Shortly afterward, Jim transferred to Babson College, where he earned both his bachelor's degree in business and his MBA in 1974.

With a natural gift for finance and relationship-building, Jim began his career with Nashua Corporation, taking on roles that brought him around the world and introduced him to lifelong friends. One of the most meaningful chapters of this time was living in Bermuda, where he and Anne began raising their children and developed a deep love for island life.

In 1989, Jim co-founded Bottomline Technologies, which grew into a global leader in electronic payment systems. As Vice President and CFO, he helped guide the company to become publicly traded on the NASDAQ Exchange. He was especially proud of creating a business that, at its peak, employed more than 2,000 people worldwide. Jim stepped down as VP and CFO in 2000 but continued serving on the Board of Directors until 2016.

Beyond business, Jim was deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. He served on the board of the Nashua Boys and Girls Club and supported United Way initiatives through Nashua Corporation. Following his youngest son's spinal cord injury, Jim became an ardent supporter of Northeast Passage, a program of the University of New Hampshire specializing in adaptive sports and recreational therapy. In 2011, he and Anne received the UNH Foundation's Hubbard Family Award for Service to Philanthropy in recognition of their dedication.

Jim's involvement with Northeast Passage went far beyond financial contributions. He became the equipment manager for the Northeast Passage Wildcats Wheelchair Rugby team, taking joy in repairing, maintaining and transporting equipment, mentoring staff, traveling with the team and supporting the athletes-including his son-at practices and tournaments.

Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Jim's lifelong passion was sailing and boating. Summers at his grandparents' home on Keuka Lake and adventures aboard his family's Hinckley sailboat on Buzzards Bay shaped a love for the water that he passed down to his sons and grandchildren. Whether on the waters of Bermuda, the New Hampshire Seacoast, or Sanibel Island, Fla., Jim found peace and joy on the ocean-a legacy that continues in his family.

Above all, Jim found his greatest joy in caring for and spending time with those he loved. He was devoted to his family and friends-whether keeping vigil at his ailing parents' bedside, tracking the Doppler during his son's tuna fishing trips, bringing Anne to her favorite shelling beach, or delighting in spoiling his grandchildren who lovingly called him "Papa." He had a gift for making others feel seen and cared for, from topping off a guest's glass to offering his signature warm hugs, radiant smile, and big laugh. A true people person, Jim thrived in the presence of good company and shared his kindness freely with everyone he met. His boundless love, generosity, and acceptance of people from all walks of life remain his most enduring legacy.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Anne Yvonne Loomis of Dover; his sons Jeremy Lester Loomis and his wife Kelsey Loomis of Dover, and Nathan Joseph Loomis and his wife Reilly Murphy of Durham; his brother Lyon Anderson Loomis of Annapolis, MD; and his cherished grandchildren Rylin Anne Loomis and Bradley Joseph Loomis of Dover, and Monroe Jane Murphy-Loomis of Durham. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lori and Stan Buckshot of Massena, NY; nieces and nephews Chrissy and Pat Daoust of Portsmouth, NH, Kiley and Jordan Buckshot of Dover, and Kaynen Buckshot of Massena, NY; cousins Pat and Mel Lucas of St. Augustine, FL, and George and Dana Loomis of Pensacola, FL, along with their children and grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered for his vision, generosity, warmth, and unwavering love for his family.

A private celebration will be held in Jim's honor at a later time. Donations in Jim's memory can be made to Northeast Passage (nepassage.org/donate) or Cornerstone VNA Hospice (cornerstonevna.org/donate).