James F. Kizer, Jr., 87, of Derry, NH, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2017, in the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH. He was born in Cambridge, MA on March 23, 1930, a son of the late James, Sr. and Hannah (Hill) Kizer, and had been a resident of Derry since 1963. James was a member of both the Lions and Eagles and helped in starting the recreational leagues of Derry, including little league, flag football and basketball. He also has built many buildings in Derry and has framed at least 1,500 houses in the area. He was a generous man and taught the construction trade to many he employed. James loved his family more than anything, come Christmas time he would make sure every person who walked through the door had a present. He was a devoted husband who loved his wife dearly.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Charlotte (Wood) Kizer; six daughters, Christine Divenuti and her husband Lawrence, Judith Ilomaki and her husband Ronald, Nancy Jefferson and her husband Michael, Catherine Fannon and her husband Michael, Jeanette Catton and her husband Craig, and Sandy Tombari; three sons, William Kizer and his wife Kathleen, John Kizer, and Edward Kizer and his wife Molly; 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. James is predeceased by his son, James F. Kizer, III.
Following cremation, a calling hour was held on Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 1pm to 2pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St. Derry. A memorial service followed at 2:00pm in the funeral home.