Harold Battice

Harold "Jimmy" Battice, of Lebanon, Maine, passed peacefully October 5th surrounded by his loving family. Jimmy was diagnosed in April with a rare and aggressive form of liver cancer. Jim was born in Salem, MA August 31st, 1958, as he was also raised there. Jimmy went to Salem public schools, and also Bishop Fenwick High School. Jim played football and hockey, but hockey was his favorite sport, and he played goalie at Bishop Fenwick. Gerry Cheevers (number 30) of the Boston Bruins was Jim's favorite player. Jimmy also played pond hockey at Mac Park in Salem with his friends, including Mark Harrison. Jimmy graduated from Salem High school in 1977, and joined the U.S. Army Infantry in 1978 where he served five years. During his enlistment, Jim served in the 5th and 61st infantry divisions and also served two hardship tours in Korea, working on the demilitarized zone protecting our troops. Jim was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant and honorably discharged in 1983. Upon returning to Salem in 1983, Jim worked for his father Ralph, at Casper's Salvage for a time. In 1985, Jim moved to Pensacola, Florida, to be near his sisters Kathy Morris and husband Kurt, and Chrissy Conneely and husband Terry, as well as their children. There, Jim worked for Andresen Van Lines, moving furniture across the country. In 1991, Jim moved to Dover, New Hampshire, and lived with his brother Patrick Lizotte, wife Linda, and children for a time. While working in Dover, he met his soon to be wife Debra Morrill. They lived together in Somersworth, and Rochester N.H., and finally bought a house in Lebanon, Maine. Over the years, Jimmy had numerous occupations, he was also a great cook and worked in many restaurants. Jim settled into making wood crafts, in which he has won many first place ribbons at the Rochester Fair over multiple years. Jim and his brother Patrick made fantastic hand carved walking sticks, it was a contest to see who could make the best one. Jimmy was known in the area for his work for other veterans. Jim and his brother Pat were long-standing members of American Legion post 7 in Rochester, N.H. Together they worked tirelessly at many functions and fundraisers over the years. Jim and his wife Debbie, were also presenters for "Wraps of Love", an organization giving veterans recognition and homemade quilts, made by Debbie and other quilters. Over 600 quilts have been presented by "Wraps of Love" within the past 7 years. Jimmy was a larger than life figure, who lit up a room wherever he went. He had an unmistakable look, with his long beard and glasses, but always had a big smile. Many people thought he was a member of ZZ TOP. Jim had a lot of love for his brothers and sisters, and his many nieces and nephews. He cherished his mother and father, and was known as a "mommy's boy" from the rest of his siblings. Jim was always the funniest person in the room, and could make even the grumpiest of people crack a smile. He was a generous person and always put family and friends first over himself. Growing up, Jimmy hung around with his best friend Mark Harrison and cousin Wayne Jordan. They were always doing crazy things and getting in trouble often. In his younger years, Jim was the life of the party, and there are many crazy stories that he shares with both brother in laws, Kurt Morris and Terry Conneely. Jimmy's passing leaves a giant hole in the lives of his wife, family and all of his friends. This year has been tough for our family. In 2019 Jim's nephew, Moses Lizotte, died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 35 from an unknown heart defect. Shortly after, on Christmas day his brother Patrick Lizotte lost his battle with lung cancer. Jimmy leaves behind his wife of 30 years Debra Morrill. Sisters Kathy Morris and husband Kurt, Chrissy Conneely and husband Terry, Debra Davidson and Isabell Lizotte. Cousin Wayne Jordan and wife Lisa. Nieces and nephews Barbara Almousavi and family, Frank LeClerc and family, Tracy Salvo and family, Ocean LeClerc and family, Danny LeClerc and family, Michelle Kelly and family, Sara Renee LeClerc and son, Morgan Corso and husband, Jennifer Ratcliff and family, Patrick Conneely and Kiri Conneely and family. He also leaves behind 23 great nieces and nephews. Along with his family, Jimmy leaves behind many friends in the area, and at the American Legion post 7 in Rochester, N.H. Services will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Dover, N.H. off Court Street gate 3, at 2pm Wednesday, October 14th. Following the services at the cemetery, there will be a gathering at the American Legion post 7, 94 Eastern Ave. Rochester, N.H. Due to limited space, it will be for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations for "Wraps of Love" will be accepted. Checks made to "Wraps of Love", American Legion post 7 94 Eastern Ave, Rochester, N.H.