James J. “Jim” Manners, 81, of Jaffrey, NH died peacefully on Thursday morning, April 29, 2021 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a period of failing health.

He was born in Worcester, MA on September 9, 1939, the son of the late James J. and Nancy (Gallio) Manners. He attended school at St. Casimir School in Worcester and later Millbury High School before enlisting in the United States Navy. After his discharge he worked in the restaurant industry, eventually working up to owning his own restaurant in Boston across from the Prudential Center where he was also the head chef. In later years he was also a truck driver, owning his own truck.

He met Doris M (Keeney) Richard at a local bowling alley, and a shared mutual enjoyment of bowling, which was the start to their relationship. He married Doris in a ceremony in Bakersfield, CA on December 2, 1983. Their marriage was validated at St. Patrick Church on October 19, 2013.

When not working, he could be found in the kitchen, which for him was not work. He enjoyed bowling, watching “old” movies, and listening to country music. He and Doris enjoyed motorcycle trips in the past and later delighted in long car trips. He was an avid storyteller and was always ready with a joke. He also achieved a 4th Degree within the Knights of Columbus, Jaffrey Council # 8544.

Jim is survived by his wife: Doris M. Manners of Jaffrey; his kids: Luann Manners, James Manners Jr. of Millbury, MA, Janet Queally and her husband Tom of Sutton, MA, Sharon Richard of Simi Valley, CA, James Richard and his wife Kathy of Lowell, MA and Bruce and Kristi Richard of Worcester, MA; a brother Michael Manners of Millbury, MA; 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandson as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son: Stephen Manners, a brother: Robert Manners a sister: Sandra Manners and a granddaughter, Juliette Richard.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, May 10, 2021, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 87 Main Street, Jaffrey. Burial will take place at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, may be made, in Jim Manners name, to the St. Patrick Church Grotto Restoration Project, c/o the Knights of Columbus Council 8544, 10 Paradise Lane, Jaffrey, NH 03452 or to St. Patrick parish, 87 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452.