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BORN
1960
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
James Garneau Obituary
He was born on Dec. 26, 1960, in Claremont, N.H., to Beryl (McLin) and Robert "Skeets" Garneau. As a young child, one of his greatest joys was to ride his bike to Moody Park and spend the whole day there all summer. He played trumpet in the Stevens High School band and was a wonderful Alfred P. Doolittle in the school's production of "My Fair Lady", one of his favorites, which led to his love of Broadway.
Jimmy was a graduate of Stevens High School and Keene State College where he was in many productions, as well as part of the Opera House in Claremont. He sang in the church choir and performed a beautiful solo at his sister's wedding.
He worked at Southern New Hampshire Services in Raymond and Barnes & Noble Book Store in Manchester.
Jimmy thought of everyone else first. He was a caring and generous friend who still had many close friends from grade school and high school. He loved his nieces and nephews and they loved being with him. He was very sentimental. He treasured family memories and traditions and loved old family pictures from long ago.
Jim enjoyed his many trips to Disney World and had a Disney-themed Christmas tree. He also enjoyed taking many trips to NYC with friends and family to see over 100 Broadway shows. In addition, he enjoyed going to the casino anytime the opportunity arose. York Beach, Nubble Light and Marginal Way always held a special place in his heart. Special vacations as a family when he was young certainly created a love for those places.
He is survived by his two brothers, Bob and his wife, Michele Garneau and Scott Garneau all of Manchester; his sister, Beth and Len Dunphy of Corpus Christi, Texas; nieces and nephews, Kristyn and James Fadden, Mallory Garneau, Taylor, Natalie and Danielle Dunphy; grandniece, Brynn Fadden and grandnephew, Seamus Fadden.
SERVICES: Calling hours are Tuesday (12/17) from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., corner of North Street, Manchester. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday (12/18) at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 172 Belmont St., Manchester. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Claremont at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the NH Chapter of Make-a-Wish Foundation. In memory of Jimmy, a random act of kindness would be a great testament to the life he lived.
To leave a message of condolence, see the obituary at www.lambertfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Garneau
Pam Tilton
December 26, 2019
Such a sweet, gentle man. I am so happy that I was able to see him at the last 2 reunions of our high school class. I was a Maple Ave kid and remember spending many long summer days at Moody Park with Jimmy. My deepest sympathies to Jimmy's family & friends.
Lisa Kelley
December 22, 2019
I have been trying to sit down and write about my friend, Jimmy, for days, .but my sadness overwhelms me. The memories flood back to our days at SHS in band, choir and drama and to all of our crazy shenanigans outside of school. I am fortunate that we remained close friends until the day he died. He was a gentle soul who had just enough naughty in him for balance. He was so proud of his nieces and nephew, and I could see his kind influence on them when we spoke at the calling hours and service. I will always miss Jimmy Garneau, as will countless others. Thank you, Jimmy, for being my friend for 43 years.
Life Happens Board and Staff
December 19, 2019
Our deepest condolences go out to Bob and his family. May the good memories and Jimmy's legacy give you peace at this time.
Jackie Provencher
December 18, 2019
Scott and Bob and Family, sorry to hear of Jimmy's death -- My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
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Larry & Peggy Miller
December 18, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to Bob, Scott , Beth and families.
Jennifer Dunleavy
December 17, 2019
Thinking of the Garneau Family and the unexpected loss of Jimmy. He always made me smile. The Raymond office will not be the same with out him.
Louise Bergeron
December 17, 2019
Jimmy was one of my employees years ago at SNHS. He was a kind, compassionate person. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He and his smile will be sorely missed by friends and family. RIP Jimmy, you have earned your reward.
Audrey Stanley
December 17, 2019
Deepest sympathy to Scott and the entire Garneau family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pamela Mahan-Weldon
December 17, 2019
It is with a heavy heart I extend my sympathy to the Garneau family on the passing of their beloved Jimmy. I worked with Jim at DHHS in Nashua and he was one of my favorite people there. His sense of humor, kindness and love of Christmas made working with him a joy. I ran into him the last several years at least once a year, usually at the Hallmark store in July, as we would be there for the new ornaments. We always exchanged Christmas cards and his was one I looked forward to each year. When I think of Jim I always smile and that is a wonderful legacy he leaves us with. Jim and his family are in my prayers and I know he walks with angels this Christmas.
Paul & Carolyn
December 16, 2019
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Bob, Scott and the entire Garneau family. May he Rest In Peace!
James Pietrovito
December 15, 2019
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I have only the best memories of working with him at what is now Manchester Community College. He was always cheerful and helpful. Another star shines above us now; a constant reminder of his goodness. RIP Jimmy
Laura and John Rainone
December 15, 2019
Jim was our friend and colleague at Manchester Community Colleague many years ago. We remember him as a kind, caring person who was a friend to students and staff alike. We are so sorry to hear this news and send sincere condolences to his brother and all who loved him. It is clear that he left a legacy of love.
Phil Grandmaison
December 15, 2019
Deepest sympathies to Scott, Bob and rest of the Garneau family on Jim's passing. His obituary did a wonderful job of capturing a life of caring and looking out for others.
Eileen Sasso
December 15, 2019
Bob,
I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your brother. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Cynthia George
December 13, 2019
Deepest heart felt sympathies to the Garneau Family. I didnt know Jim well, but I know he was a sweet soul, he will be greatly missed..Rest in Peace Jim
Pam Newell
December 12, 2019
My deepest sympathies to all of Jimmy's family and friends. His passing leaves a huge hole in every life he has touched.
Martha Carter
December 12, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Garneau family. I met and worked with Jim at Rockingham Community Action.
Actually, he was my replacement when I retired. As I look at this photo, it brings back memories of the real soft hearted caring Jim. I saw him a few weeks ago, the first time in awhile. He walked up to me savaging Wow, you look great, and gave me a genuine big hug. That was Jim. May he Rest In Peace. May the happy memories sustain the family as they grieve.
Evelyn & Hugh Dunphy
December 12, 2019
We will miss receiving his Christmas card this year. He always picked a beautiful one that really expressed his love of Christmas. Once in a while one meets a truly good person who acts out of love and generosity, without worrying about what they get in return. Jimmy was one of those, and his family was blessed to have him in their lives. I know he will be sorely missed, and the " Uncle Jimmy stories" will go on.
Maggie Fritz
December 12, 2019
My deepest condolences to the whole Garneau family for your loss of a real sweet, special guy.
Karen (Bogle) Leahy
December 12, 2019
Jim was a classmate of mine at Stevens High School. He was such a fun guy to be around. Was in the band with him. We both got best music superlatives in high school. He was very considerate of others. Was so glad to see him at our 40th high school reunion in June. He will be missed.
Judy Goulet
December 12, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jimmy was a wonderful person and he will be missed by everyone he knew. Judy Goulet Friend Co-worker Manchester NH Dec 12, 2019
Carol Carr
December 12, 2019
Jimmy had a kindness and love of family and friends that will not be forgotten. As he makes his way on his journey, you have been gifted with memories of love, kindness and laughter that will help carry you during this difficult time. When you see a single penny--he will be sending his love from far away but near your heart. May this give you comfort. Love, Aunt Roseanne, Dave, Carol and Charlie
Louise Fulling
December 12, 2019
Jim and I became friends while working at NH Community College years ago. He joined my husband, children and me on several outings. Jim got me started on collecting Byer's Choice Carolers. I had lost touch with him over the years but thought of him often, especially at Christmas when putting out my carolers and looking for the cardinal on his Christmas card. He was a very kind soul. The obituary was very well written.
San di Levasseur
December 11, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jimmy will be truly missed by all. I will especially miss him at our annual yard sales with his great smile and gentle voice. May you fly high and say hello to Marc for me.
Tony LaCasse
December 11, 2019
Jimmy was a quiet, gentle soul. He was unassuming but supportive, offering a consistent and generous presence most often in the background. He was a good man. Let's hope that his example of caring and warmth can be an example that we all make a better part of our lives.
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