James F. McCoole Jr.

Hampton- James Francis McCoole Jr., lovingly known as “Jim,” passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 17, surrounded by the family he cherished so deeply, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Dover, New Hampshire, on November 30, 1935, Jim lived a life defined by devotion—to his country, his work, his friends, and above all, his family. He shared 66 beautiful years of marriage and partnership with the love of his life, Therese McCoole(Gosselin), an Amesbury native. Together they created a family rooted in laughter, loyalty, kindness, and unconditional love. Jim is survived by his beloved wife Therese; his children James McCoole III and his wife Jean, Kelley McCoole Adams and her husband Chris, and Daniel McCoole and his wife Lisa. He was predeceased by his son Brian McCoole, whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his treasured grandchildren: Katelyn McCoole, Megan McCoole, Hunter McCoole, Brian McCoole Adams, and Morgan McCoole, all of whom brought immense pride and joy to his life. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy as a Sonar Technician Third Class (SO3) aboard the USS Newman K. Perry. Following his military service, he worked as a pipe fitter with Local Union 131 while working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery and later at Seabrook Power Plant. He also owned and operated a plumbing business alongside his longtime partner and friend, Joe Mattingly. While Jim worked hard throughout his life, his greatest passion was always his family. He was a constant source of warmth, encouragement, wisdom, and humor. He never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren—whether at family gatherings, at kids and grandkids events, or quiet moments together sharing meals, stories and laughter. Jim had a deep love of reading, music, and adventure. He played the piano beautifully, loved telling stories from his Navy days and travels, and embraced life with energy and curiosity well into his later years. Family members fondly remember Jim being there and present in his family's lives sharing his quick wit and sparkling smile with everyone around him. To know Jim was to feel cared for. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, supported, and loved. His blue eyes, gentle strength, sharp humor, and unwavering kindness will be remembered always. One family member wrote to him before his passing: “You are everything a family could hope for—warm, loving, strong, witty, gentle, encouraging, and always so supportive. You have this way of making everyone feel seen, cared for, and deeply loved.” His family finds comfort in knowing that the love he gave so freely will continue to live on through the family he built and the countless lives he touched. He will be profoundly missed and forever loved. The family will be having calling hours at Remick’s and Gendron Funeral home in Hampton on Friday, May 22nd from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. A ceremony will be held at Hampton High Street Cemetery on Saturday, May 23rd at 11:00 followed by a luncheon honoring Jim at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Hampton at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the NHVA by clicking here or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of James F McCoole to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift

James F. McCoole Jr.

November 30, 1935 - May 17, 2026