James Rodger Stark, 98, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at Avita of Wells in Wells, Maine.

James was born on April 2, 1928, in Johnshaven,Benholm parish, Kincardineshire, Scotland, the son of the late John Smith Stark and Jessie (Salmond) Stark. He was raised in Forfar & trained in Scotland as a traditional joiner—a master carpenter and artisan woodworker—he brought a level of precision, craft, and pride to his trade that underpinned his lifelong career and hobbies. In his early years in Scotland, he served as a skilled apprentice and journeyman joiner.

In his early 20s, James immigrated to the United States and settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he would reside for over 70 years, including more than 50 years at his longtime home on South Mammoth Road. Shortly after arriving in Manchester, while working in the local textile mills, he met and married his eventual wife, Dorothy (Glover) Stark.

A proud veteran, James answered the call to service and was a combat veteran of the Korean War, serving honorably in Korea for over a year. He received the Purple Heart during his service in combat.

Throughout his hardworking life, James applied his diverse skill set across several trades as a carpenter, millwright, maintenance technician, and steam boiler operator. In his earlier years, he worked in Manchester’s historic mill district at Limerick Yarn Mills, Morrison Mills, and Waumbec Mills. He went on to enjoy a long career at International Paper in Manchester, where he also served as past local union president for the United Paperworkers International Union (UPIU).

James was a dedicated Freemason and member of Washington Lodge No. 61, F.&A.M. in Manchester, NH and was an active member of the National Association of Power Engineers (NAPE) New Hampshire Chapter / New England Section.

Beyond his professional endeavors, James had a passion for woodworking, spending countless hours crafting and building. He had a deep affection for animals and was accompanied by several faithful dogs over the course of his lifetime.

James was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy (Glover) Stark and his sister Joan Stark.

He is survived by his son, Allan Rodger Stark and his wife Elizabeth Stark of Conway, NH and his longtime friend Elizabeth Hamel of Kennebunk, ME.

SERVICES: A private burial service will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in James' memory to the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (nhspca.org) or the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (forestsociety.org).