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James ‘Jim’ Joseph Poor Sr.

James “Jim” Joseph Poor Sr., 80, a lifetime resident of Milford, NH died on February 2, 2021 from COVID-19 at Ledgewood Bay Assisted Living and Memory Loss Center in Milford.

Jim was born on November 10, 1940, the son of Louise Isabelle Picard Poor (Jarest) and the late WWII Veteran, James Joseph Picard, who died in the War when Jim was 3 years old. Robert W. Poor married Louise, adopting Jim as his son.

Jim was born and raised in Milford, NH. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and Good Sam Club.

Jim was known as a hard worker and always provided for his family. He started his working years very young as a farmer for his (unbeknownst to him) future father-in-law, Henry M. Curtis, at Curtis Farm on Union Street in Milford. He also worked at Lorden Lumber, Talarico Pontiac, and Milford Ford Motors. For a brief time, he lived and worked at the Fox Run Farm in Newington, NH. For many years, Jim worked at family owned and operated, Chappell Tractors, as a service manager and mechanic. Finally finishing his long career working for Leighton White with their excavating equipment and driving trucks.

As a kid, Jim found his soulmate, Velma-Ann “Rani” Poor (Curtis), right next door. Jim and his late wife, Rani, married as teenagers on March 16, 1956 in Brookline, NH. They rode their horses together on the very field that connected their childhood homes. Together, they loved spending time with their family and friends. In his younger years, Jim enjoyed boating, waterskiing, stock-car racing at the Brookline track, he built and restored a 1937 Ford pickup. A true animal lover, Jim had two pairs of oxen that he loved pulling at the fairs with his son, James Jr. After Jim and Rani retired, they spent time traveling in their RV to Maine in the summers and to Florida in the winters. Jim loved the beach and long walks with his wife. They were a true Love Story.

Jim was a great son, dad, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and good friend to many. In addition to his loving wife, Jim was predeceased by his parents. Surviving family members include his sister, Judith Picard Poor of Milford, NH; two children: Lou-Ann Poor (Chuck Simpson) of Dublin, NH and James “Jimmy” Joseph Poor Jr. of Naples, FL; two grandchildren: William James “BJ” (Ariel)Cabana of Breckenridge, CO, and Keri-Ann Parodi (Dennis) Rugg of Denver, CO and Dover, NH; four great grandchildren: Aspen, June, Livia, and Riggs Cabana; as well as many sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, NH. In keeping with James’ wishes, there will be a private service held in June at the Riverside Cemetery with immediate family only.

In lieu flowers, please consider a donation to support the fight against Alzheimer’s. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association can be made in memory of James Poor Sr., at www.alz.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm St., Milford, NH. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit www.smith-heald.com.