Richard F. James

Beloved husband, revered father, adored grandfather, treasured brother, admired uncle, and dear friend:

Richard F. “Rick” James, 71, of Pelham, New Hampshire, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of his family.

Rick was the loving husband of Anne M. (Donovan) James, with whom he would have celebrated 48 years of marriage this coming April.

Born in Arlington, MA, January 30, 1955, Rick graduated from Westford Academy in 1973 and went on to marry Anne and raise their two sons, Rich and Keith, in Woburn, MA. He supported his family working at John’s Sewer and Pipe Cleaning, followed by a career of truck driving for various companies, where he made lifelong friends.

Rick was blessed with a green thumb and took particular pride in his rose bushes and the pumpkins he grew for his grandchildren each Halloween. He was an avid Boston sports fan who enjoyed watching and attending games with his sons. Rick enjoyed camping with family and friends and spending summers by the campfire, always the last to stay up.

In addition to his wife Anne, Rick is survived by two sons, Richard F. James, Jr. and his partner Sheriann Greenan of Pelham, NH, and Keith W. James and his wife Kristen of Chelmsford, MA; six grandchildren, Evan, Logan, Erik, Reilly, Kalia, and Kaelyn; his sister, Debbie Van Til and her husband Jack of Clearwater, FL; his brother, John James and his wife Kelly of Dracut, MA; his sister-in-law, Ellen Silkes of Malden, MA; several beloved nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Rick is predeceased by his dear friend and brother-in-law Michael Silkes.

Rick was known for his well-timed dad jokes, steadfast support, and stubborn streak, all of which are reflected in his children and grandchildren, and for which he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay respects on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 9:00 am until 10:45 am at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME, 11 NASHUA RD. PELHAM, NH. Service to follow at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home followed by burial in Gibson Cemetery. E-condolences and directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Contributions in Rick’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704. Hagerstown, MD 21741 or www.cancer.org. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O’Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.   

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