ELIOT, Maine ; Richard "Dick" Hoyt James, 72, of Libby Lane in Eliot, died on Feb. 27, 2009, at his home blessed with the care of his family. Born in Portsmouth, N.H., on May 16, 1936, he was the son of Percy and Maybelle (Kent) James. Growing up in the Mill Pond neighborhood of Portsmouth, he attended local schools, including Portsmouth High School. In 1975, he and his wife of 41 years, Maryann (Fox) James moved to Eliot, where they continued to raise a family and make a home. Dick worked for many years at Noyes Tire from the 1960s through the 1980s. He also worked for over 10 years at Central Tire in Sanford, and after retirement he worked part time for EMS in Dover, N.H. Dick was also a member of the Portsmouth Police Auxiliary for many years. An active out-of-doorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and time spent on the shooting range. He was an avid NASCAR and football fan, often enjoying a house full of family to watch a game or a race and have a meal. He is survived by his daughter, Michele St. Hilaire of Exeter, N.H.; son, Robert A. James and his wife, Darlene, of Manchester, N.H.; son, Michael James and his wife, Laura, of Florida; son, Timothy James of Florida; son, John J. James and his wife, Michelle, of South Berwick; daughter, Ann Marie and her husband, Kent Lamson of Eliot; daughter, Michelle Eckert of Arizona, and son, Bart James of Florida; grandchildren, Matthew, Danny, Megan and her husband, Ryan Flores, Jessica Lamson, Jessica Ailinger, Nicole, Jennifer, Dennis, Hannah, Ryan, Coda, Mikayla, Ciara, and Taylor Ann, and Hunter. He was predeceased by his son, Richard H. James Jr. Funeral services will be private at his request, with burial taking place in the spring at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Eliot. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Care Van Patient Transportation, c/o Wentworth Douglass Hospital & Health Foundation, 789 Central Ave., Dover, NH 03820 or by visiting www.wdhospital.com. On line condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the J.S. Pelkey Funeral Home.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits