James "Sonny" R. Fisher

COLEBROOK, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Mr. James “Sonny” R. Fisher, 79, of Colebrook, New Hampshire, and of Weirsdale, Florida, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the Tuscany House Hospice in Summerfield, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Sonny was born November 18, 1929, in Wytheville, WV, a son of the late William and Lizzie Lee (Smythers) Fisher. Sonny was a graduate of Canaan Memorial High School, Class of 1948, where he was known for his athleticism as a baseball and basketball player. He worked briefly for DuBois Gas Company in Canaan and later for Beecher Falls Division of Ethan Allen before enlisting in the United States Army where he served in Germany from 1951-53 during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to the North Country and worked as a foreman for Ethan Allen while also serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring from both in 1989. As a young man, he was an original member of the Canaan Men’s Softball League, and also was an excellent candlepin bowler. After his retirement, he and his late wife, Joan, moved to Florida during the winter months where he enjoyed golfing, bowling and spending happy hour with his many friends and family members. He was active in the North Country as well, serving as a member of the Northland American Legion, Post #47 of Canaan for more than 50 years, and enjoying such activities as golfing, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and boating and waterskiing at his camp on Wallace Pond. He will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Sonny is survived by two daughters, Susan Rice and husband, Bob, of Canaan, VT, and Jamie Crawford and husband, Millard “Woody”, of Colebrook, NH; five grandchildren, Brian Rice of Saco, ME, Micah Rice of Biddeford, ME, Cassie Crawford of Pittsburg, NH, Tyler Crawford of Colebrook, NH, and Garrett Crawford of Colebrook, NH; one great-granddaughter, Brynn Hartlen of Pittsburg, NH; and one step great-grandchild, Bailey Sellers of Key West, FL. Sonny is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Joan K. (Vohar) Fisher on December 26, 2005; and his brother, Charles “Gene” Fisher. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2009, from 6-9 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, August 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the Colebrook Village Cemetery.

James "Sonny" R. Fisher

November 18, 1929 - July 23, 2009