Attorney James A. Sayer, Jr, 98, of Salem, NH died on Thursday September 16, 2010 after a short illness. Jim was born December 5, 1911 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Jim graduated from Woodbury High School in 1929 and as class president, went on to study at University of New Hampshire , Tufts University and Boston University Law School In 1943, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was accepted into the Officer Candidate School. He served as a gunnery officer attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant and continued his service through 1958 with the United States Air Force Reserves. Jim passed the New Hampshire Bar in 1952 at age 40 and went on to serve as Special Justice in the Salem District Court from 1954 to 1975. He maintained a law practice in the Salem NH Depot until 2008. Together with his brother Louie, Jim owned and operated many businesses including Granite State Speedway In Dover NH and various Drive-In Theaters throughout the state of NH, one of which was the Ole Rock Drive-In at the current site of the Salem NH Post Office. Jim was active in town and state government, serving as the Salem NH Town Moderator from 1954 to 1966 and again from 1970 to 1972. He was a State Representative to the General Court Of NH from 1967 to 1975 and an active member of the Republican Party. Jim was a founding director of the Salem New Hampshire Boys and Girls Club and the Salem New Hampshire Kiwanis Club, and remained active in both throughout the years. As a 75 year member of Spicket Lodge, F &AM #85 of Salem NH Jim served as Lodge Master in 1942. Jim was a long time member of the American Legion and The Greater Salem Bar Association.
His family members include his wife, Sandra and his sons, James E.B. Sayer and his wife, Linda of Manchester, NH and Andrew L. Sayer of Salem, NH. Jim also leaves his daughters, Stacy Greenlaw of Hampstead, NH, Laura Frost of Kingston, NH and Wendy Buco of Salem, NH and 10 grandchildren.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday September 21, 2010 from 4 to 8 pm and on Wednesday September 22 from 9 to Noon at The Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH. Services will be at Noon on Wednesday at the funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem. Officers and members of Spicket Lodge, F & AM will conduct Masonic Services on Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm at the funeral home . Memorial contributions may be made to The Salem Boys and Girls Club, 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH 03079.