James E. Harwood

On December 24th, 2022, James E. Harwood of 106 Cemetery Rd. in Putney Vt (formerly of Merrimack, NH.) passed away after a long illness, surrounded by his family at home.

James was born August 21st, 1934 in Lebanon NH to Beatrice (Partridge) Harwood and Martin Harwood. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School in Lebanon NH as well as a graduate of Keene State College in NH and went on to pursue his passion of teaching for over 40 years.

He was married to the love of his life Ruth (Hudon) Harwood for 60 years. Together they had two children, Mark Harwood (married to Edith Harwood) and Lisa (Harwood) Palmi (married to Scott Palmi). He and Ruth have four surviving grandchildren, Tyler Palmi (married to Alejandra Gomez) of Greenfield MA, Joshua Palmi of Hindsdale NH, Amy Palmi (and her partner Rey Rubio) of Hindsdale NH and Nick Smith (married to Danni Smith) of Allenstown NH. He has a great-granddaughter, Eliana Rubio (parents Amy Palmi and Rey Rubio). James is preceded in death by his grandson Ethan Harwood (son of Mark and Edith Harwood), parents, Beatrice and Martin, and siblings, Stanley, Paul, Martin Jr., Barbara Lacroix, Loretta Marsh and Dolores (Honey) Fletcher. He is survived by his Nephew Ronald Lacroix (married to Maria Lacroix) of Wisconsin and Nieces, Susan Harwood-Alves of Scottsdale Arizona and Louise Crowley (married to Roger Crowley) of Dunedin Florida.

There will be a cremation mass on Friday, January 6th at 9:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy church in Merrimack NH. A luncheon will follow. Burial will be at a later date in the West Lebanon Cemetery in Lebanon, NH.

James was a loving, giving man his entire life. His generosity knew no bounds in and outside of his family. He spent his life devoted to his family and learning about his faith. In lieu of flowers and to honor his memory and beliefs please consider giving in some way to a person or family in need or an organization supporting of others in need. He was a believer in supporting local food banks and charities in addition to one of his favorites, St. Jude’s research hospital.