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Zis-Sweeney and St. Laurent Funeral Home

26 Kinsley Street

Nashua, New Hampshire

James Hirni Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 19, 2017.

James "Jim" Hirni passed away at his home, surrounded by family on May 18, 2017, after a four-year battle with Glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. He was 71 years of age, and was a long-time resident of Hollis, NH. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cheryl Hirni (Dooley). Jim left behind two sons Scott Hirni and spouse Caroline (Schiralli) of Purcellville, VA, and James Hirni and spouse Tzeitel (Fetter) of Daniel Island, SC; as well his grandchildren, Caroline Reagan of Daniel Island, SC, and Sarah Merritt, Chloe Lynn, and Claire Margaret of Purcellville, VA. He is also survived by his sister, Ava Goodhue of Harleyville, SC, and her husband George.

Born January 13, 1946, in Miami, FL, Jim was the son of the late Fred Hirni and the late Ava Grey Prevatte Hirni of Miami. Jim graduated from Miami's Southwest High School in 1964, where he was an accomplished athlete; serving as a member of Southwest's varsity football and track teams. As a life-long Florida Gator, Jim graduated from the University of Florida in 1969 with a B.S. Degree in Engineering Science.

In 1971, Jim moved his family to Nashua, NH, and completed a M.S. Degree in Engineering Management from Northeastern University. His academic achievements were the beginning of a life-long passion for mathematics, engineering, and computers.

Jim spent more than 45 years working in the computer industry across the Northeast, Florida, the Carolinas as well as internationally in India and France. It was during this extensive career in computers that Jim gained the nickname, "Lead Dog." One of Jim's favorite sayings was "If you are not the Lead Dog, the view never changes." The Lead Dog managed many teams for companies like Pratt & Whitney, Digital Equipment Company, Jupiter Technology, Bolt, Beranek and Newman (BBN), PakNetx, Aspect Communications and Tekelec Inc. While at Aspect Communications, Jim and four of his colleagues, secured patents and completed the successful sale of their startup endeavor.

Jim was passionate about leadership, serving others and giving back to the community. After retiring in 2008, Jim entered the field of teaching. Jim spent more than five years in the classroom educating the next generation of computer engineers and providing them with a foundation to be successful.

Jim's many interests included his grandchildren, gardening, landscaping, bee keeping, collecting and drinking fine wines, golf, travel with his family, playing the guitar, listening to classical and blues music, SEC Football and his favorite team - the New England Patriots.

A service of celebration will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 10th, Zis-Sweeney Funeral Home, 26 Kinsley Street, Nashua. The family will welcome all of Jim's friends immediately following at the family home in Hollis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jim's memory to the Jim Hirni Scholarship Fund, c/o Merrimack Valley Beekeepers Association (MVB), 31 Hillside Terrace, Merrimack, NH 03054 - http://www.mvbee.org/.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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October 31, 2017

Dennis Pikora

I worked with Jim at different companies for almost a decade. He was my boss, my mentor and a close friend. He and I kept in touch even after we no longer worked together. Nothing was more enjoyable than discussing politics with Jim. I feel lucky that he considered me a friend.

August 5, 2017

Bob Bergin

Not a day goes by when I remember to smile at something Jim said. We developed an amazing friendship which will never end. You were the Leaddog for so many folks. Love U big guy, I am a better person because we spent so much time together.

July 19, 2017

Coworker

Amit Chatterjee

A visionary technology leader and a gem of a person. A few years working for him helped me formulate my vision of creating quality software and I will be forever grateful to him for that.

June 10, 2017

Ava Goodhue

As much as I miss my brother, I know we'll meet again on the other side. He watched out for me throughout my childhood and teen years. A fearless watch dog. Again he's watching out for me. Always and forever my protector, my brother. Love ya Bro.

June 9, 2017

Alan Brind

Jim was a great guy and a good human being. I vividly recall the day I took Jim flying on August 24 1985 around the Nashua area for a 2 hour sight seeing trip...he was mesmerized by the experience. I'll always remember him for his wry humor and intellect. A sad farewell to a friend. Alan Brind

June 7, 2017

Margo & Arthur Andrew

Cheryl, Scott, James and family--we are sending along thoughts and prayers for you all and pray that Jim is finally at peace--free of pain. He was always a gentleman and we have fond memories of our soccer days so many years ago. May he rest in perpetual peace. Regrettably, we will be out of town on Sat. and will not be able to attend the memorial service.

June 5, 2017

Coworker

Susan Merideth

Jim was a one-of-a-kind man. I will always remember our intense talks we had shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer. His insights into the human condition were meaningful to me. Someone special was lost when Jim passed. The family will be in my prayers. May they find peace.

June 5, 2017

Bruce Allen

Modicon Bozos in FT. Lauderdale a long time ago

Posted by Bruce Allen

June 5, 2017

Bruce Allen

Always a loyal friend and also a partner in high tech industrial creativity at several companies. A trouper to the end.
Bruce Allen

Posted by Bruce Allen

June 5, 2017

Doris Lepine

I'm sure Jim and Gerry are conversing in heaven and sharing a few shots of "Dickle"! Will always remember "our" great neighbors on Rocky Hill Drive in Nashua. I might be many miles away but only a phone call....You and your boys are in my and my daughters prayers. Love, Doris Lepine

June 4, 2017

Youngho Lim

Jim, you were the lead dog and a Renaissance man. I had great admiration for you. Thank you for giving me the privilege of knowing and working for you.

May 31, 2017

RAD D'ANGELO

We, unlikely friends,
A strong bond in what mattered
Jim, I think of you

May 30, 2017

Michael Ely

I learned great respect for Jim working with him at two companies. He challenged and encouraged me to think about what was needed before he asked for it. I wouldn't be where I'm at today without his leadership.

May 28, 2017

Joseph Fetter

My most sincere condolences to you and family James..

May 24, 2017

Phil Brodsky

My colleague, mentor, and most importantly, my friend. I will never forget you Jim, for the positive impact you made in my life.

May 24, 2017

Friend

Rick Mace

Jim was a giant of a man. I always will have the greatest respect for him.

May 23, 2017

Yoogin Lean

Jim was one of the best leaders I have encountered in my life. He was a great mentor to me when I was reporting to him and a very good friend. Really miss him. -

May 22, 2017

Horace Hodges

We were blessed to have had Cheryl and Jim as neighbors in North Carolina. Jim was a great friend and very competitive in everything, especially golf. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
God Bless,
Linda & Horace Hodges
Morrisville, NC

May 22, 2017

I am grateful to have known Jim during his time at NCC. We had some wonderful conversations and he impressed me with his varied interests. My sympathy to the Hirni family.

Kathy Costa, Hollis, NH

May 21, 2017

Vic Fetter

Jim was a gracious gentleman. Many are grateful to have known and enjoyed his noble spirit, spirited humor, and bon vivance.

May 20, 2017

Bob Bergin

Privileged to have worked with Jim for the past 6 months. I am a better person for having been mentored by the "lead dog". God Bless You my friend, you changed the lives of so many folks. My prayers are with Cheryl, Scott, Jim and their families. ....

May 20, 2017

john testa

I will miss all the great times we had together i was blessed to know Jim and
we spent many years and time with each other.

May 20, 2017

Sheila Mello

Jim was a very special person who will be missed. My deepest sympathies to all of his family. The world lost a brilliant, funny, and just really neat person.

May 20, 2017

Becky M.

I was saddened to hear of Jim's battle with cancer and recent passing. I worked under his leadership at Tekelec in Morrisville, NC. Although I did not know him well, he was clearly a nice person and he was always pleasant to us engineers. He was passionate about things and once lamented to me in the break room about what a disaster the introduction of high fructose corn syrup into the American diet in the 1970s was. Totally right about that.
Jim was a leader of great integrity and treated everyone fairly.
I know he'll be missed by family and friends.

May 19, 2017

The Staff of Zis-Sweeney Funeral Home

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

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Funeral services provided by:

Zis-Sweeney and St. Laurent Funeral Home

26 Kinsley Street, Nashua, NH 03060

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