James Alfred "Jim" Lessard

James "Jim" Alfred Lessard, 87, of Manchester, NH, passed away on November 5, 2025, after a period of declining health, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Plymouth, NH on February 24, 1938, he was the son of Alfred J. and Addie (Bilodeau) Lessard. Jim was raised in North Woodstock and graduated from Laconia High School. A proud patriot, he went on to serve his country honorably with the United States Air Force. Following his service, he continued his education in aviation mechanics at Eastcoast Aerotech.

Jim was employed with Sanders Associates for several years before beginning what would become a meaningful and memorable chapter of his life with the Manchester Police Department. For twenty years, he served as the department's garage supervisor, a role in which he became affectionately known as "Garage Jim." The nickname was more than just a title, it reflected his reliability, humor, and warm presence. If the phone rang, everyone knew how he'd answer: "Garage. Jim", and everyone knew help was on the way.

Faith was the quiet foundation of Jim's life. He was deeply devoted to the rosary and was a longtime communicant of both Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and Saint Pius X Parish. His faith naturally expressed itself in service to others, most notably through the time he spent volunteering each day at the Salvation Army Kid's Café, where his kindness and light-hearted spirit were cherished.

Jim found joy in the outdoors. In earlier years, he was often found in the mountains maple sugaring, driving tractors, or logging. In his spare time later in life he enjoyed countless hikes with his children, instilling in them an appreciation for nature and hard work. He and his wife treasured their winters together in Sarasota, Florida, where they made lifelong friends and lasting memories. A gifted mechanic, Jim could fix almost anything and was the first to lend a hand, especially when it came to friends' and family members' cars. He was known for his happy disposition, his quick wit, and his love of a good laugh. It is difficult to find a photo in which he isn't smiling...or photobombing.

Above all else, Jim was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose generosity, warmth, and steady presence will continue to guide those he leaves behind.

Family members include his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Mary (Bellerose) Lessard; his daughter, Paula-Marie Passen and her husband Jeff, of Moultonborough; two sons, Alfred "Al" Lessard and his wife Denise, of Bluffton, SC and Kevin Lessard and his wife Shannon, of Holderness; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, with another soon to arrive.

Service: Calling hours are Monday, November 10, 2025, from 4 to 6 PM at Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH.

The funeral will be held, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 AM in St. Pius X Parish, 575 Candia Road, Manchester, NH.

Burial with military honors will take place at 12:30 PM in Riverside Cemetery, Old Airport Road, Lincoln, NH.

Memorial donations may be made to Salvation Army Kid's Cafe 121 Cedar St, Manchester, NH 03101.

For more information, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.connorhealy.com.