James F. Sandahl, 70, of Westmoreland, died Friday evening, April 12, 2013, in the comfort of his home, with his family at his side, following a lengthy and courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
He was born in Rahway, NJ, on May 2, 1942, the son of James P. and Pearl (Filer) Sandahl. He attended Woodbridge, NJ area schools then received his BS degree in Music Education from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA in 1964. He completed his post graduate work at the University of Rhode Island and the University of Connecticut.
He married Nancy Messer on July 15, 1967, in a ceremony at the Westmoreland Park Hill Church. He had met the love of his life while he was a Head Counselor at the New England Music Camp in Oakland, ME during the summers of 1964-1969. Together they became the directors and assistant directors at the Northeast Music Camp in Ware, MA from 1971 until 1980 and from 1987 until 1989.
He was a music educator for 42 years, teaching in Woodbridge, NJ public schools, Fitch Senior High in Groton, CT., Groton - Dunstable in Groton, MA., public schools in Milford, NH; including MASH and MHS as well as St. Christopher Parish School in Nashua, NH. He was a member of the National Association for Music Education (MENC), the Nation Band Association, the American Choral Director Association, the New Hampshire Music Educators Association (NHMEA), and the Cheshire County Retired Educators Association.
Jim was a volunteer fire fighter and first responder, while in New Jersey and Connecticut, for 20 years. He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, woodworking, playing cribbage and vacations spent at York Beach, ME.
After retirement he volunteered with the Milford NH SHARE program, played piano at various nursing homes, and delivered meals for the Meals On Wheels program. He attended the Westmoreland United Church, where he truly enjoyed singing in the choir, and he was a substitute organist there as well. He was also a Deacon in the church for a short time.
His major accomplishment was sharing his love of music, "the universal language", with family, friends and his students.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years: Nancy Sandahl of Westmoreland; his daughter: Heidi L. Davis and her husband Phillip of Carmel, IN., and his mother-in-law: Thelma M. Messer of Westmoreland. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his father-in-law: Carl E. Messer.
A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 2:00 at a location to be determined in Westmoreland. There are no public Calling Hours.
In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made in James F. Sandahl's name, to Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services ( www.hcsservices.org ), PO Box 564, 312 Marlboro St, Keene, NH 03431 or to the Westmoreland United Church, 9 Glebe Road, Westmoreland, NH 03467.
Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com), 33 Marlboro St, Keene, NH has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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