James Andrew “Jim” Guinesso, age 77, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Known for his loyalty, humor, and deep devotion to family, Jim’s life was one of love, quiet determination, and unforgettable stories.
Jim was born on March 13, 1948, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Andrew and Martha (Manahan) Guinesso. He grew up alongside his brothers, Robert and Dick, in a close-knit home that instilled in him the values of hard work and loyalty. From a young age, Jim had an inquisitive mind and an appreciation for detail, qualities that would later define his lifelong passion for coins and stamps.
He attended Auburn Village School and graduated from Pinkerton Academy with a high school diploma. After graduation, Jim worked in road construction for several years, contributing to major projects including some ledge cuts for Interstate 93, work he proudly recalled to his children and grandchildren throughout the years. In 1973, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and love for collecting, Jim opened Derry Coin and Stamp, a business he proudly owned and operated for over 50 years. He became a respected figure in the community, known as a pillar of the coin and stamp world, earning admiration for his honesty, expertise, and enduring relationships with clients and fellow collectors alike.
In 1968, Jim married his first wife, Beverly Ann Mitchell, with whom he shared nearly two decades of life and raised two sons, Andrew Mark and James Anthony. Though the marriage ended in divorce, Jim remained a steadfast and loving father, always involved in the lives of his sons and later, his grandchildren. His bond with Andrew and James was deep and enduring, built on love, laughter, and an unwavering sense of pride in the men they became.
On October 26, 1998, Jim married Norma Bishop, the love of his later life. Through this union, he gained two daughters, Shawna and Debbie, whom he cared for deeply. Together, Jim and Norma built a joyful life in Auburn, filled with travel, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. They especially loved spending time at their vacation home in Florida, enjoying the sun, golf, many friends, and each other's company.
Jim had a wide range of interests that reflected his thoughtful and playful spirit. He loved a good game of cribbage, working on crossword puzzles, embracing his Italian heritage, traveling, and above all, spending time with his family. He was a man of habit and loyalty; when he found a restaurant or business he liked, he remained a faithful customer for life. He was equally loyal to his dogs, even if he initially claimed he didn’t want another one. Without fail, they’d end up sleeping in his bed the very first night-usually after sneaking a snack from under the dinner table.
Jim never officially retired, his passion for his business kept him going, but in his later years, he devoted more time to what mattered most: family. He was a proud and present grandfather, always reminding those around him how lucky he felt to live close to his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren-Andy, Tony, Addam, Danny, Ally, Skye, Paul, Kim, PJ, Stephanie, Dylan and Josh, and great grandchild-Bea, each of whom brought joy and pride into his life.
Those who knew Jim will remember him as kind-hearted, generous, witty, honest, and fiercely loyal. He had an unmatched sense of humor, a love for storytelling, and a gift for making everyone feel welcome. He was determined to provide for his family and give them the life they deserved, a goal he fulfilled with pride and devotion. His legacy lives on in the values he passed down and the memories he created with those lucky enough to know him. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Guinesso; his sons, Andrew and his wife Carolyn of Auburn, and James and his wife Erica of Auburn; his daughters, Shawna Daley of Concord and Debbie Phillips and her husband Scott of Weare. He was a proud grandfather to Andy and his wife Shara(and their daughter Bea), Tony, Addam, Danny, Ally, Skye, Paul, Kim, PJ, Stephanie, Dylan, and Josh. He also leaves behind many cousins, close friends, and his cherished little dog, Lily. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers, Robert and Richard (“Dick”).
A wake will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry, NH. Following cremation a graveside service will be held on Saturday at 10:00am in Longmeadow Cemetery in Auburn, NH, with a reception at Longmeadow Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Longmeadow Church in Auburn, NH, an organization close to Jim’s heart.
He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends, who were always entertained by his stories and hilarious sense of humor. He truly brought life to the party and his spirit will live on in every laugh, every shared memory, and every quiet moment of joy.