James H. Smeltzer, 69 of Henniker, NH died Saturday November 10, 2012 in the Concord Hospital, Concord, NH. Mr. Smeltzer was born in Methuen, MA on May 14, 1943 a son of the late William and Gladys (Curtis) Smeltzer. He had resided seasonally in Henniker, NH and Homosassa, FL for the past eight years, formerly residing in Fremont, NH. He served with the US Navy from 1961 to 1966. Mr. Smeltzer retired from RE Jenkins Construction in Bedford, NH where he was employed as a truck driver. He was currently working for Mile Away Campground in Henniker. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, country dancing, gardening and bird watching. He especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by three daughters, Virginia Waitkus of Farmington, NH, Rose Smeltzer of Auburn, NH, and Jamie Curtin of Colonial Beach, VA, four step-daughters, Vickie Ferland of Waterville, VT, Anna Gallant of Raymond, NH, Cheryl Ortiz of Oak Hill WV, and Kristen Brooks of Oak Hill, WV, 20 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two brothers, William Smeltzer of Lawrence, MA, Richard Smeltzer of Raymond, NH, two sisters, Judy Julian and Joan Ferris, both of Andover, MA, several nieces, nephews and his longtime companion, Patricia Furber of Henniker. He was predeceased by his wife, Joyce (Luipersbeck) Smeltzer in 1999.
Calling hours were held on Thursday November 15, 2012 from 4 – 7 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, NH. Funeral services were held at 7:00 pm in the funeral home with cremation to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.