Our moments of inspiration are not lost though we have no particular poem to show for them; for those experiences have left an indelible impression, and we are ever and anon reminded of them.
– Henry David Thoreau

James “Jim” Milani, 66, passed away Friday, December 9, 2011 at Bentley Commons in Keene, NH. As those who knew him know, a tribute to him without a Thoreau quote would seem incomplete.

We chose this particular quote not because it was a favorite of his, but instead because it fits his unawareness of the true impact he had as a father, son, brother, grandfather, friend, community servant, and community member.

The son of Jerome and Jane Milani, Jim was born July 25, 1945 and spent his childhood with his brothers, Jerry and Jeff, in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. He attended Iona College and Ohio State University, attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Child Psychology. While working at Ohio State, he met Myrna Morth whom he married in 1970. They welcomed their first child, Jeremy, in 1972 before Jim’s career in the field of education brought him to the Monadnock region of New Hampshire where his second son, Daniel, was born in 1974.

In 1980 the family moved into “Smallholding,” the house Jim designed in Spofford, NH. During the more than twenty years he lived there, Jim became a passionate member of the Chesterfield community, serving multiple terms as a Selectman and on various town and school committees. Although he eventually moved away, Chesterfield always remained home to him.

Jim is survived by his brother, Jeff; sons, Jeremy and Dan; his two granddaughters, as well as countless others whose lives he touched.

In accordance with Jim’s wishes, no services will be held and his ashes will be laid to rest in a place dear to him. The family asks that you honor his life by celebrating it in whatever way you see fit. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing. We have listed some that were important to Jim.

Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all.
– Henry David Thoreau