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James "Jim" Vanier

James Vanier Obituary

James "Jim" Vanier

Lebanon, NH - James "Jim" Vanier, 73, passed away Saturday December 6, 2025. Jim will not have any services at this immediate time. His family will announce a public celebration for late summer of 2026.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Valley News on Dec. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Vanier

43 Entries

Bernadette H

Yesterday

So hard to believe this. It was a pleasure working with you back in the day(1987) at the old CCB. You will be missed around town. You were always so kind. R.I.P.

Jeffrey Bird

Yesterday

Anything that I would write about Jim would echo what Keith Arlund and Don Lowry have already written. My long-ago memories of Jim are that he was a kind man, a really good guy who sincerely cared about the kids who he looked out for at the old CCB. It seems to me that being remembered as "A Really Good Guy" is the kind of epitaph that any of us be proud to bear. My sincere condolences go out to all of his family and friends, take solace in knowing that your loss, Lebanon's loss, is clearly heaven's gain.

Maura Hart

Yesterday

Thank you Jim for reminding us of the good in the world with your kindness and compassion. You took good care of us. Rest in Peace.

Maura, Celeste, Denise, and the Lebanon Jazzercise Crew.

Scott Paterson

Yesterday

Jim told me years ago, that some people didn´t realize the gem of a place we lived in.

It wasn´t just what he said, it was how he said it. It wasn´t a condemnation or criticism- he was telling me if you live somewhere that is special, you can sometimes forget that it is. Jim never did forget. I don´t know anyone who worked harder to keep it that way. Our hometown was just a better place with Jim in it.

If you never hung out at the Carter Community Building as a kid, never experienced the decency that was Pat Walsh, or the good heartedness of Jim Vanier, you really missed something.

Some people become civic minded and altruistic. Some are just born that way. Thank you, Jim.

If the Carter Community Building hasn't already done so, I hope the Board sees fit to have a portrait of Jim placed near that of Pat Walsh.

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Kevin Lynch

Yesterday

What a fabulous guy! Played a lot of noon time basketball with Jimmy with a great group at the old Dartmouth gym in the 70´-80´s. Jimmy always had a smile and great sense of humor! And Lebanon was/is so fortunate to have him at CCB. His impact on the kids with his attitude and values will always be remembered. Honestly - they don´t come much better than Jimmy. I can still hear his voice!

Michele Nichols

Yesterday

I knew Jim Vanier from Jazzersize which was held on the up floor of the CCB building. Many times our classes coincided with seeing children under the guidance of Jim. He was truly a person I would have trusted my children with. He taught them values and he nurtured them in their growth.
He took care of CCB impeccably. It was squeaky clean and very well maintained . We used to joke with him to join us in class and we would put him up front. He was truly a wonderful person through and through to anyone that came through those doors. He was cut from a very special cloth and am sure he was welcomed into heaven with open arms.

Deb

Yesterday

So sad to hear Jimmy has passed. He was such a fun man. Loyal to a fault.
Jim I hope that we will meet again at a "bus station".

Miss you.

Don Lowry

Yesterday

From his days as a school boy basketball star to backyard touch football games with friends and most importantly, to caring for Lebanon's youth, Jimmy was a hero. He gladly took the torch from Pat Walsh's hands and kept the CCB a place for Lebanon's youth to feel safe, to learn and to grow up. My deepest condolences to the Vanier family and to the many friends that loved him.

Tyson Haley

Yesterday

Most of my childhood memories were made from the CCB. Jim being the center of them all. The guidance and wisdom he shared will be truly missed. Sincere condolences to Jim´s family and the Lebanon community

kate Reeves

Yesterday

I did not know this man but read about him this morning. My heart goes out to all his friends and especially his family. God Bless. Kate Reeves Barnard, Vt.

Karen and Hank Doran Jr.

Yesterday

Oh we recall Jimmy in all his exploits helping with the youth program at the old CCB. My grandson would go there for mixed martial arts and Jimmy was always caring to make sure the floors were polished and sparkling clean. I can still hear him yelling to the kids,"take your shoes off" so proud of that job and he did it well. Jimmy would collect lost and found (which were plentiful) my hubby always left something behind and yet Jimmy would find it whatever it was and hold it until the next week and he would tell my grandson or hubby your cup is in my office, good old Jim! You will be missed my friend may you rest now until your next adventure.

Keith Arlund

Yesterday

I am sad to hear about Jim's passing. Jim was "cut from the same cloth" as Pat Walsh who ran the CCB and cared for us when growing up in Lebanon. His legacy stands on its own! My condolences to Vanier family.

james spinelli

Yesterday

Jim was in our LITTLE STORE ,morning, BIG BREAKFEAST, noon, LUNCH, night, CHECK ON MARTHA, and 6 OR MORE TIMES EVERYDAY! Saturday was JIM,JACKIE,KEVIN,DON, and..............for a BIG BREAKFEAST and POLITICS! Jim always had a funny saying like " YOU WOULD GIVE A STATUE A HEADACHE" and ALWAYS LEFT sayin "IF I DON,T SEE YOU AGAIN.....GOOD! Well we will never see you again,and thats NOT GOOD. LOVE YOU JIM.

Jean and Steve Patten

Yesterday

To Bev and the family and friends of Jim, We send our sincere condolences. We did not know Jim but know the Vanier family is about helping others and have read so many articles about all the great things Jim did for the CCB. We know he will leave a huge void everywhere and hope the memories that everyone has will help provide comfort during this very difficult time.

Jeremy DeFelice

Yesterday

Jimmy was a guiding light and mentor to many of us growing up. A true "good guy" who you knew would always point you in the right direction. Jimmy will be missed by many in the city of Lebanon. Rest in peace my friend.

Roberta Berner

Yesterday

Jim was very, very special in his care for people, consistency, and longevity in a most important job that he took to heart.

Meg

Yesterday

Years ago when my kids were at the CCB preschool, Jim was always a friendly, chatty presence in the building. "I love this town," he told me. "If a kid is playing basketball and needs shoes, I can think of ten people I could call that would get those shoes." A kind and generous guy, in the heart of the community. My condolences to his friends and family.

Cia M Rising

Yesterday

Jimmy was a man who bore the standard for what all people should strive to be. He radiated love, care, patience.

Tad Nunez

Yesterday

Truly saddened by the news. Jim touch a lot of families, including ours.
A Lebanon hero to many, many kids.

Roy Kimball

Yesterday

Rest in peace, Jim. You did so much for so many, selflessly. You are never forgotten.

Jayne Long

Yesterday

I´m an aunt to Madison, who attended the CCB a few years back. I remember that he really took good care of her. Thank you, Jim. You´re in my prayers.Jayne Long

Peggy Slack McKinney

Yesterday

Jim was an icon in our area , most of the adults around town knew and loved the guy, parents too. He helped so many young people on their way to adulthood and beyond, he will be missed more than we know. May he rest in peace, and serve others when he goes through Heaven`s gate.

jose braden

December 9, 2025

i still remember when i stopped by every day after school and helped jim with the desk and played pool with him he Taught me about the rights and wrongs like a father / grandpa would and i felt safe whenever i was over there i will truly miss him and how he would light up every time someone comes through the door and if the kid had any problems he would listen to the kid and try and help the best he could.

Michael kanclerowicz

December 9, 2025

I miss you Jim already. God Bless you

Cauley

December 9, 2025

He helped raise me, along with thousands of other children passing through that building. From my first dance (popcorn and drinks), to my first lefty layup, to long afternoons avoiding homework and playing pool, Jim was there for me. I will carry him with me as long as I live.

Pete Porter

December 9, 2025

Jim was a great friend for decades. First met through mutual friend Tim Labombard, then when I was teaching karate at CCB. You could not ask for a nicer man. He did so much for the Upper Valley kids. He deserves a statue in the park.

Bob Tichner

December 9, 2025

I and my family are stunned and deeply saddened to hear about Jim's sudden passing. He represented the best of Lebanon and this community, and our kids (and we all) benefitted from his humanity, smiles and welcoming open heart and mind. One of a kind! Condolences to the Vanier family

Chris Taylor

December 9, 2025

Jim was a legend at Dartmouth College pick-up basketball games. He constantly outplayed the best Dartmouth Varsity players and always in a spirit of good sportsmanship.

Joyce Harvey

December 9, 2025

My deepest condolences go out to Jimmie's family.

Kathy Keane Sehnal

December 9, 2025

Jimmy was a such a fun and kind classmate! The positive influence and love he gave to the youth of Lebanon will be forever remembered.

John Tostenson

December 9, 2025

Jimmy befriended me when I came to Lebanon in 1986 as a Police Officer. We have been friends since. Always there for the kids. Always there for his friends. My heart hurts for the loss his presence was. The last time I saw him was 2 months ago. I am glad I had the opportunity to tell him I love him. I am a better man for having known him and called him a friend.

Baar Graf

December 9, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Jimmy was the best...he will never be forgotten.

Norman Adams

December 9, 2025

Lebanon staple. Will be missed

Gene Esquivel

December 9, 2025

Jim, thank you for assisting in building the character of my families and many, many of Lebanons youth. We hold dear the lessons of respect and dignity you provided. My deepest condolences to your family. Peace.

Peter Elder and Joni Butler

Planted Trees

Susan J

December 9, 2025

Jim Vanier made Lebanon a much better place, and helped raise so many of its children. I thought he would live forever.

James White

December 9, 2025

First Bob, and now Jim. What an incredible loss to the Lebanon area sports community! My deepest condolences to the Vanier family, especially to Dave and Pete, whom I knew way back in high school. RIP

William Carrier

December 9, 2025

Jim you have saved and reshaped so many young lives in our community if we didn't have the ccb and you downtown lebanon would be much different you are going to be terribly missed thank you for all your years of love respect and wisdom

Mike

December 8, 2025

Jim did so much for me growing up on and off the court. I´m forever grateful and he will be missed dearly but never forgotten. May you rest in peace Jim. Love Mike Joslin

WARREN T COUGHLIN

December 8, 2025

I am very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was an outstanding sportsman and gentleman and always a credit to his hometown of Lebanon. My condolences to the Vanier family.

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