James B. Knowles, 79, of Derry, NH, died Wednesday May 4, 2016 in Pleasant Valley Nursing Center in Derry. He was born in Dexter, ME on May 1, 1937, a son of the late Victor and Beulah (Cookson) Knowles. He had been a resident of Derry since 1970, formerly living in Somerville, MA. Mr. Knowles was a US Navy veteran serving during the Korean era. He was a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston with his BS, and followed with graduate school. Mr. Knowles was employed as a tax examiner for the IRS in N. Andover, MA. He had been a former member of St. Mark's Lodge #44 F & AM in Derry. An avid New England sports fan, he also loved reading, going on trips to Foxwoods and going to Disney World.
He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Ball and her husband Richard of Londonderry, NH, his daughter Audrey Cookson; his son, Christopher Cookson; several grandchildren; several great grandchildren; his brother, Michael Knowles; as well as several nieces. He was predeceased by his wife, Alberta A. (Morrison) Knowles in 2002, and his brother Galen Knowles.
Following cremation, a graveside service will be held on Monday, May 9th at 11:00am in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry Road, E. Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Assoc., PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.