James L. Feather, Jr., 93, of Salem, NH died Friday, April 6th at his home. James led a wonderful adventurous life for 93 years. He loved and was beloved by his family. Jim wants all to know that passing peacefully was not his style, and he battled until the end.

Born to Myrtle (Abbott) and James L Feather, Sr. in 1924, Jim happily roamed the farm lands surrounding his parents home in Methuen, MA. At 17, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and he was anxious to graduate from Edward F. Searles High School to join the military. He had to wait to go as his teeth needed repair, so he worked as a milk man during the summer and earned the money to fix his teeth. Jim enlisted in the United States Navy December, 1942. His skill in language got him a rank as a signal man prior to departing basic training. He was assigned to the USS Kitkun Bay aircraft carrier. He participated in 6 campaigns in the Pacific Theater of operation including the famous battle of Leyte Gulf. During one of those campaigns his ship was hit by a kamikaze plane, and they had to return to San Diego for repairs. His last tour aboard was in Alaska at the Adak Islands awaiting the invasion of Japan. The dropping of the atomic bomb ended hostilities, and his ship arrived in Japan for cleanup operations. He was discharged from active duty in December of 1945 and returned to his home in Methuen, MA.

Jim started working as a carpenter and resumed his romance with his high school sweetheart, Betty. They were married 2 years later, and he started to build the home he would live in for the remainder of his life. During enlistment, Jim had sent money home to his mother for her to use for his family. His mother saved all of it and gave $5000 to the newlyweds. He used this money to buy land in Salem, NH and personally built their house. The home was finished in 1950, and the couple moved in with their new baby Ann. Peggy and Sue followed a few years later and the family was set. Jim enjoyed gardening, shooting, puzzles and music.

Jim continued his career as a carpenter with O. E. Steinert Co. working his way up to Vice President and eventually buying the business from Mr. Steinert. He retired after many years and started his adventures traveling the USA visiting his daughters. He drove with Betty each winter down to Florida, Mississippi and Texas. They loved to meander the country and did so for many years until Sue said it was time to fly. Eventually their winter travels took them to Arizona where Sue and Ann finally settled. They enjoyed the beautiful winters in Arizona until age and infirmity brought them back to their homestead. Jim enjoyed 5 more years of winters in NH before passing away from a long illness. He was diligently cared for by his daughter Peggy during that time. He was home surrounded by all 3 girls and his wife when he died.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Elizabeth A (Kreusel) Feather; his daughters Ann Rhuland and husband Jim, Peg Hoehn, Susan Feather and wife Jan Groff; his sister Phyllis (Feather) Rother, his brother Bob Feather; his cousin Elaine (Orr) Clark; 4 grand children,Carolyn, Kurtis, Sara and Amy 8 great grand children, Sean, Brooke, Madison, Samson, Boston, Trey and Jude and 1 great great grandson, Tobias.

Visitation will be Monday, April from 4:00 -8:00 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 10th at 10:30AM at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 200 Lawrence Rd. Salem, NH. Burial is in Elmwood Cemetery, Methuen, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. Make a difference in the lives of injured warriors in 2018.