James G. Ross, 74, of Derry, NH, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016, in the Parkland Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Somerville, MA on August 15, 1942, a son of Ivan and Ethel (Macaulay) Ross. He worked as a truck driver starting at the age of 16 and has made many precious friends throughout his career. Jim was known to family as "Papa" and to his friends as "JR". He was a very social and compassionate person. He would not only take care of the people he loved in his life, but his animals as well. Any stray that needed a home, Jim would take them in. His skill with dogs earned him the title of "Dog Whisperer." Jim's greatest love was for his family. He also enjoyed his motorcycles, the social circles at Dunkin Donuts, circle track racing, drag racing, and even boating.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sue (Simmons) Ross; two daughters, Kimberley Woodward and Lynelle Murphy; son, Robert Rosenberg; seven granddaughters, Kristina Guedetti, Janice Currie, Jennifer Murphy, Miranda Sanders, Rhiannon Poliquin, Jill and Kate Rosenberg; grandson, Derek Sanders; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jeanne, Barbara, Martha; brother, Bill and also many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his brother, Walter Ross.
The family will honor Jim's last wishes of no services at this time, however will have a celebration of life in the spring, "JR's Last Ride." Memorial donations to St Jude's Children's Hospital in the name of James G. Ross would be welcome; Jim always wanted to help the children. The Peabody Funeral Home & Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements.