Orford, NH – James Edward Fields, 81, passed away peacefully at home with his son & grandson by his side on Thursday December 26, 2024.

Jim, as he was called by most that knew him, was born July 18, 1943, in Hanover, NH to John and Meda (Roberts) Fields.  Jim attended elementary school in Lyme and graduated from Orford High School.  He worked as a heavy equipment operator for most of his life including time at RG Watkins Construction, RS Audley Construction & Park Construction before starting Fields Excavation. Jim also served as the Orford Town Road Agent for several years.

Jim was an avid stock car racer & fan and owned several cars over the years. In his younger days he was well known in his #46 at Bear Ridge Speedway & most recently enjoyed watching his son John carry on the family tradition in #5J. Jim also enjoyed time on the family land in Lyme raising pigs, haying, growing pumpkins and enjoying lots of fishing & hunting with his grandchildren. After retirement Jim and his life partner Carol enjoyed many trips all over the East Coast visiting many points of interest which always included visits with his daughter Becky & her family in NC. Jim loved to read, was a true walking history book, never met a stranger and loved his community. Most days you would see him "touring" around town in his beloved antique truck he called "Jesse" when the weather permitted, but no matter the weather he was always in a Ford. But what Jim loved and was most proud of was his family. The love Jim had for his family was part of every conversation he had and will continue through the beautiful legacy he created. He was & will forever be remembered by his family as a living legend.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, the mother of his children Patricia Olsen, his life partner Carol Chivers, a brother Dale Fields and three sisters Joan Durkee, Mary Jane Huntington and Joyce Brewster.

Jim is survived by his daughter Rebecca "Becky" Byrd & husband Robert of Autryville, NC, his son John Fields & wife Michelle of Orford, NH; his grandchildren Joseph Fields, Joshua Fields, Jordyn Fields, Jada Fields, Autumn Pope & Maranda Byrd; his great-grandchildren Landon Fields, Cailynn Ste.Marie, Clayton Ste.Marie, Benjamin Hathaway & Kennedy Pope; a brother Bruce Fields and a sister Carol Hurlbert along with many nieces & nephews who adored him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Orford Congregational Church, 617 NH Route 10, Orford NH. A private family graveside service will be held at the Highland Cemetery in Lyme this summer.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Orford Social Library, 573 Main Street, Orford, NH 03777.