James C. Kezer, 87, of Derry, NH, died Wednesday January 3, 2024, in Exeter Hospital in Exeter, NH. He was born on July 22, 1936, in East Derry, NH, a son of Fayette and Martha (Higgins) Kezer. Jim was raised and educated in Derry and attended Pinkerton Academy. He had been not only a lifelong resident of Derry, but a lifelong resident of Island Pond Road.
Jim served his country in the US Navy after the Korean War and later in life joined the Navy “Seabees” Reserves. He made a lot of good friends and enjoyed many “trips” on reserve excursions during his 30+ years in the reserves. He worked most of his adult life as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator and was involved in many new housing and commercial projects in the Derry/Manchester area. Later in life he ran a small engine repair shop from his garage and was often seen rummaging thru vehicles at the junk yard next door. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. After retiring, Jim and Norma enjoyed a number of winters in Regency Cove, FL where they made many good friends. Jim and Norma loved their little home on Island Pond Rd and spent their last 10 winters there before moving to the Pines of Newmarket nursing home in June 2023.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Norma (Thibeault) Kezer of Newmarket; step-daughter, Deborah K. (Curtis) Brown of Bethlehem, NH; step-son Robert (Linda) Breen of Jefferson, NH; and sons William Kezer of Hampton, NH and Jason (Lisa) Kezer of Raymond, NH; 6 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and a sister, Edith (Murray) Moody of Londonderry, NH. James was predeceased by his son David Kezer, brother Carl Kezer and sister Faye Schanck.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday January 16, 2024, from 10 to 11:00 am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am and burial will conclude at Forest Hill Cemetery in E. Derry. Following the burial, everyone is invited to join back at Central Congregational Church, 14 Crescent St., Derry for a time of refreshments and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Congregational Church.