James J. Harkins

He was born in Worcester, MA on June 28, 1925, the son of Patrick and Katherine (Hassett) Harkins. He attended St. Peter High School and graduated first in his class from the New England School of Accounting.

During WWII, he served in the US Navy and earned the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal-2 stars, the American Theatre Medal, as well as the WWII Victory Medal.

James was the founder and owner of Office Dimensions, a company that pioneered the sale of office furniture and design in New Hampshire for over thirty five years.

He was past president of the Manchester Rotary Club and worked for numerous civic organizations including the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities. Jim loved to play golf and was a longtime member of the Manchester Country Club. He also enjoyed spectator sports and was a huge fan of the Bedford Little League as well as Manchester Jutras Post baseball.

He was a first generation Irish American and a member of the greatest generation.

He was devoted to his wife of 59 years Eleanor "Jerry" (Morrill) Harkins of Manchester; two daughters, Jean Marie Saunders and Ellen Whittemore; one son, Jay Harkins Jr.; five grandchildren, Sam and Bailee Harkins, Casey and Jared Saunders, and Morrill Whittemore; nine nieces and nephews. He will be truly and deeply missed by his family and friends.

A memorial Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in St. Catherine of Siena Church on Thursday, November 12, 2009. Urn burial was in St. Mary Cemetery, Marlborough, MA at a later date.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Salvation Army Santa Fund, Care of the Union Leader, PO Box 9555, Manchester, NH 03108.