ROCHESTER - James M. Bermingham, Jr., known as "Jimmy" to his family and "Jim" to his friends, passed away on October 27, 2026, at the age of 69. He spent his final year at the Edgewood Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Born on February 20, 1957, in Jacksonville, Florida, Jim lived a life marked by faith, service, hard work, and a love for family and friends. Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Policeman and member of the Shore Patrol at Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Following his honorable discharge, he remained deeply proud of his military service and was rarely seen without a hat recognizing his status as a Marine veteran. Over the years, Jim worked in many professions, including long-distance truck driver, excavation business owner, corrections officer, bus driver and more. Jim's greatest passion was not only his military heritage, but his faith. He was an active member of several Baptist churches in the Portsmouth, Exeter, and Rochester areas of New Hampshire and devoted many years to helping with his church’s youth ministry. He organized monthly Christian skating events in Newington, giving young people a safe and welcoming environment to gather and build friendships. He found joy in making others feel welcome and could often be found greeting people as they arrived for worship as part of a parking lot ministry, offering a smile, a handshake, and a warm welcome. He had a special gift for grilling BBQ food, making lasagna or spaghetti and loved feeding others, often saying, "If you leave hungry, it's your own fault."
Beyond his work and ministry, Jim embraced life with a wide range of interests. He enjoyed country line dancing, slot car racing, spending time at the rifle range, and building computers. Friends and family knew him as someone who was always willing to share what he knew or had.
Jim also loved pets. He owned several dogs and cats over his years, he had a cat, named Tommy, who was with him and lived until the age of 20. He was quite attached to this beloved friend.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alida Bermingham, and his nephew, James "Jimmy" LaPrade.
He is survived by his daughter, Katie, her husband Nathan, and their children, Noelle, Matthew, and Joshua; his son, Kyle, and Kyle's wife, Melissa; and his sisters, Kathleen Bermingham and her wife, Carol Strecker, Alida Bermingham LeVier, and Shannon Chasse and her husband, Andy. He also leaves behind nieces, a nephew and many cousins.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A New Hampshire Press Association member