Essex, MA - James R. Prentiss "Jim" husband of Elizabeth-Anne (Bobola) Prentiss passed away on September 9, 2024 at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers after a brave struggle with IPF for a number of years. He was born on November 17, 1940 in Danvers to Nora (Kiley) Prentiss and John "Bob" Prentiss and raised in Essex, MA. He was a graduate of Gloucester High School, class of 1958 and went on to serve the country in the U.S. Air Force, as did three of his brothers.

After the service, Jim went on to owning Exxon service stations and eventually owning a Pepperidge Farm Franchise that led him to being known as "The Cookie Man." He also served as part of the clambake catering crew of Woodman's of Essex for many years, where he amassed countless friendships.

Starting at a young age, Jim developed a passion for golf and worked as a caddy at the Essex Country Club in Manchester, MA. While working there he also won a caddy championship. He enjoyed following all school sports and aspiring athletes, and often would give teams Goldfish crackers to snack on. As an avid high school wrestling fan, he was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame as a fan. He went on to follow his grandchildren as they participated in sports, dance and musical performances.

Jim especially loved traveling with his wife and friends to Bermuda and Ireland. They would visit relatives and he'd take in a round or two of golf both overseas, locally and at their "snowbird" home in Naples, Florida.

Even if they didn't agree with his political views, Jim was loved by many. In his later years he looked forward to his Tuesday outings with his Essex "coffee buddies" and then visiting a dear friend, in Ipswich,where they would solve all the problems with the world.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Betty-Anne, who he adored, and daughters Jessica, wife of Steven Bucknam, of Exeter, NH and Amanda, wife of Ned Kittredge, of Hampton, NH, grandchildren Aidan Kittredge of Boston, James Bucknam of Exeter, NH, Brennan Kittredge of Hampton, NH, Sarah "Sadie" Bucknam of Charleston, SC and Elizabeth "Liz" Bucknam of Exeter, NH.

He is also survived by brothers Hank Prentiss and his wife Barbara of Florida, Tom Prentiss of Essex, sister Kathy (Prentiss) Poulsen of Lunenburg and sisters-in-law Debbie Prentiss of Texas, Mary Doody of Beverly and Alice Stasiuk of Ipswich, and many nieces, nephews, godchildren and very dear friends.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, brothers Jack and Ray, brother-in-law Don Poulsen and sister-in-law Anne Prentiss, sister-in-law Eileen Prescott and brothers-in-law Paul Prescott, Joe Stasiuk and Steward Doody, as well as his in-laws Elizabeth and Joe Bobola.

Funeral arrangements are by the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich, MA. There will be no visiting hours. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Essex, MA on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 11:00 am followed by interment at Spring Street Cemetery in Essex. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tunnels to Towers (T2T) organization. To send a letter of condolence to Jim's family please go to: MorrisFH.com .