James M. House

James M. House, 82, of Woodsville, a dedicated community member and devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Center at Dartmouth. Born on August 9, 1943, in Hanover, NH, he was the son of Dr. Reginald K. House and Florence (Hartshorn) House.

James grew up in Hanover, graduating from Hanover High School in the class of 1961. During his youth, he was a standout athlete, serving as the captain of the ski team and becoming a Junior A Alpine skier during his junior year. He also excelled in competitive golf during high school; both skiing and golf remained passions he enjoyed throughout his life.

Following high school, James pursued a career in service, graduating from the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science. He worked for Fenton & Hennessey Funeral Home in Bellows Falls, VT, for three years before moving to Woodsville in 1970 to begin a long and respected career at the Ricker Funeral Home. In this role, his dedication to the families of the northern Upper Valley region spanned decades. Notably, James was part of recovery efforts on Moose Mountain following a tragic airplane crash in October 1968, demonstrating his commitment to his profession and his community during difficult times.

James’ greatest devotion was to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Paula (Ricker) House; his son, Christopher House, and his wife Samantha; his two cherished granddaughters, Lilly and Lucy; his daughter, Kimberly House; a sister, Jane Mikell, and her children, Morgan, Justin (Thao), and Taylor.

Calling Hours will be Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch St. Woodsville. The memorial service will be Wednesday January 7, 2026, at 2 PM at Ricker Funeral Home. A private family interment will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care, 154 Hitchcock Loop Rd, Lebanon, NH 03766, or the Ford K. Sayre Memorial Ski Council, PO Box 471, Hanover, NH 03755, in James' memory.