James R. "Jim" Blais

James R. "Jim" Blais, 76, of Manchester and formerly of Berlin, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Elliot Hospital after a brief illness. Jim was born in Berlin, NH on November 23, 1948, the son of the late Raymond G. and Eleanor E. (Griffin) Blais. Jim entered the United States Army in 1968, serving during Vietnam. Upon his return from the service, he worked as a Police Officer for the Berlin Police Department. He was President of the local police union. Jim was a long-time member of the N.H. Police Association, where he served on the Executive Board and as President. He was also a Lifetime member of the Eagles Club. He enjoyed going to Fisher Cats baseball and Manchester Monarchs hockey games, where he would often run into “Berlin people”.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Virginia "Ginny" Blais of Manchester; his son Jason Blais and wife Liz of Lebanon TN; devoted grandchildren who he dearly loved & adored: Nicole Blais, the light of his life, and her fiancé Reed Crane of St. Joseph, MO, Tyler Blais, who he loved to talk all things sports with, of Lebanon, TN; his siblings: Jerry Blais (wife Bridget) of Berlin, Bobby Blais (wife Adele) of Manchester, Rick Blais (wife Linda) of Cambridge, Sharon Eimers (husband Pat) of Blairs, VA, Ray Blais of Raleigh, NC; and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his cherished daughter, Lori, in 1995, with whom he will now be lovingly reunited in their final resting place at St. Kieran Cemetery.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 10am at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish, with interment following at St. Kieran Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 6-8pm at the Bryant Funeral Home, 180 Hillside Ave., Berlin. Those who wish may make donations in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantcares.com.