James D. Hobby

WINCHENDON - James D. Hobby, 86, of 25 Sunny Cove Road, Winchendon Springs, formerly of Gardner, died peacefully Monday morning, March 23rd in Heywood Hospital, Gardner. He was born in Gardner on January 23,1923, son of the late Harold E. and Allie P. (Moore) Hobby and graduated from Worcester Trade School. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving as a Private First Class. Jim fought in the Battle of the Bulge and served in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon and Victory Medal. Following his service to his country, Jim moved to Elgin, Illinois, where he lived for 50 years. He worked many years as an electrical contractor and electrician until his retirement. He had spent winters in Mexico for 25 years until this past winter. Sixteen years ago, he returned to Gardner and ten years ago, he and his wife moved to Winchendon Springs. Jim was a Master Mason for over 50 years and attended the First Baptist Church in Gardner. He leaves his wife of 16 years, Lillian M. (Mills) Tenney Vine Hobby; two children, Harold E. Hobby of Bedford, MA. and Ward E. Hobby of San Antonio, TX. and his wife Susan; four stepchildren, Deborah R. Tenney of Dennis, David S. Tenney and his wife, Meredith of Acworth, NH; Timothy W. Tenney and his wife Kathleen of Baldwinville and Roxanne T. Tenney and her husband, Charles Shippee of Gardner; eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Jim was predeceased by his first wife, Charlotte (Blanchard) Hobby; one sister, Mary Rossner and one brother, Robert Hobby. Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 26th at 11 A.M. in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. The Rev. James Hinds, pastor of First Baptist Church in Gardner, will officiate. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Thursday, March 26th from 10 to 11 A.M. preceding the service. Burial will be in Crystal Lake Cemetery, Gardner. Memorial donations may be made to Gardner Visiting Nursing Association, 34 Pearly Lane, Gardner, MA. 01440 or to the American Lung Association, 460 Totten Pond Road Suite 400, Waltham, MA. 02451. www.snow-ladeau.com