James Edward Byrnes

James Edward Byrnes, late of Hancock, New Hampshire, departed this life on January 22, 2025, in the same stubborn and opinionated fashion he entered it.

Born to Helen Rose (Kopacz) Byrnes and Lawrence “Larry” Byrnes on July 20, 1945, Jim was one of four siblings. John J. Byrnes, Lawrence “Larry” Byrnes, Jr., and Chickie Waryas all pre-deceased him.

Jim was an avid sports enthusiast and played football and baseball in school. After graduation, he played on several recreational softball and candlepin bowling teams. He also played golf in a league established by Hubbard Farms, his employer of forty-two years. Jim started with Hubbard Farms two days after his high school graduation.

His love of sports extended to auto racing, and tales of his many adventures with Buddy Golec are legendary within both families.

Watching football on TV was a favorite pastime until the end, beating out his love of old Westerns unless his preferred team was getting routed on the scoreboard. Then he grumbled and changed the channel. College teams—with a preference for Notre Dame—often took precedence over NFL games, although both graced his screen at all hours.

Many of Jim’s outdoor adventures happened while fishing, including getting out-fished by his daughter and wife on separate trips. He frequently joked that he was “just the fishing guide” on those occasions. He was well-known for socializing and enjoyed getting together with former classmates.

Despite his wish to remain behind the scenes, Jim was captain of his football and baseball teams and was acknowledged as a leader on and off the field. His accomplishments include the Lawrence Gray Award for Leadership in Sports, ELKS Little League champs 1957, and playing in the 1963 Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl for Vermont. He also won many bowling trophies.

After marrying his wife Lucille Byrnes, née Cormier, he became a cofounder of Just-A-Dream Arabians (Arabian show horses), JAD Leather, Etc., and The Pied Piper Doll Shoppe.

Jim is survived by his wife Luci, his daughter Tracey, and several nephews and nieces.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services.