Dr. James F. Aiken

James F. Aiken, 87, of Manchester, NH, formerly of Canton, MA, and Medford, MA, died March 29, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Stoneham, MA, on September 28, 1937, he was the son of James Chester Aiken and Helen Vera (Jennings) Aiken. He had a younger brother named John. Following high school graduation from Medford High School in 1955, he attended Tufts University where he majored in Chemistry and Biology and received his Bachelor of Science in 1959. He then attended Northwestern University Medical School where he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1963.

Subsequently, he served in the US Army as a physician based in Yokohama, Japan, during the Vietnam War.

Dr. Aiken worked as a radiologist at Goddard Hospital in Stoughton, MA, from 1972 to 1974. Following that, he practiced at St. Joseph Health Services in Providence, RI, beginning in 1974. He retired from there in 2008.

He had many diverse interests including history, art, and religion. Additionally, he was a passionate gardener. He was also known for his dry, subtle wit.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marlys (Woychick) Aiken of Bismarck, ND, with whom he was married for 47 years until her passing in 2010.

Family members include three sons, Peter Aiken and his wife Sara of Astoria, OR, James P. Aiken and wife Maura of Manchester, NH, and Matthew Aiken and his wife Mary Ailis of Fredericksburg, VA.

In addition, he has five grandchildren. Kate (Tim Putnam), Brad, Hannah, Charlie, and Jamison.

SERVICES: Calling hours are Saturday (4/12) from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday (4/12) at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine Church, Webster Street, Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Riverwoods Resident Scholarship Fund.

Checks should be made payable to:

RiverWoods Manchester – in the memo section please write “RWM Resident Scholarship Fund”.

Please mail checks to:

The RiverWoods Group

5 White Oak Drive

Exeter, NH 03833