James “Jim” E. Bemis Sr. 74, a life long resident of Keene died unexpectedly on Monday, January 26, 2015 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene.
James was born the son of the late Bessie M. (Dodge) and Donald M. Bemis Sr. on December 18, 1940 in Keene. He was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1959.
Jim was formerly married to Charlene (Tatro) Bemis.
He was employed by Markem of Keene as a processor of ink products for thirty years before retiring in 1994.
Jim was a man of faith and member of the Methodist Church in Keene. In his leisure time Jim could be found fishing and hunting, hiking the local trails and parks. He was a R.C. Airplane pilot. Jim had an artistic side to him. He enjoyed painting on canvas and drawing. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Keene and a member of the National Rifle Association. Jim was a family man who enjoyed the company of his children, grandchildren and extended family.
Mr. Bemis is survived by his three children; Barbara E. Starkey of Marlborough, James E. Bemis II and his wife Christine of Keene and Jonathan E. Bemis of Keene. His siblings; Marilyn McKeag of Concord, John Bemis of Keene, Randall Bemis of Keene, David Bemis of Keene, and Donald Bemis of Keene. Three grandchildren; William Starkey, Lillian Starkey and Daniel Starkey. Jim will miss the birth of his fourth grandchild, Isaac Bemis. In addition he leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Jim is predeceased by his siblings; Eleanor Bemis, Lawrence Bemis, and George Bemis who all passed earlier.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2015 from 2 to 4pm. in the funeral chapel. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of James E. Bemis Sr. to: Grace United Methodist Church of Keene, 17 Greenbrier Rd. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WW.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
