Concord, NH – James “Jim” Wiren, 76, of Concord, New Hampshire, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Concord Hospital following complications from ongoing health issues.
Born and raised in Concord, Jim was the son of the late Allen Wiren and Doris (Young) Wiren. A talented musician and artist, Jim had a lifelong appreciation for creativity and found great joy in sharing his passions with others.
Jim began playing the drums at just nine years old, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. He performed with numerous bands over the years and, until his passing, continued to get together with his longtime friends every week to play music.
An accomplished artist, Jim studied at art schools in Boston and at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts. After spending much of his career in the printing industry, he pursued his love of art and teaching by opening Art With A Splash with his wife, Joanne. The Portsmouth, New Hampshire, paint-and-sip studio eventually expanded to offer traveling art classes throughout the area. Jim especially loved introducing people to painting and seeing the pride and excitement on their faces when they created something they never imagined they could.
Jim also found happiness in the simple pleasures of life at home. Quiet by nature and a gentle soul, he had a deep love for animals and could spend hours feeding and watching the birds in his backyard. He enjoyed working in the yard and tackling projects around the house, taking great pride in being able to fix just about anything.
Above all, Jim was devoted to his family. He and his wife, Joanne, shared 50 years of marriage and raised two daughters, Katie and Kelly. He especially cherished time with his grandson, Miles, and loved passing along his passion for music by teaching him to play the drums.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Allen and Doris Wiren; his brothers, Scott and David Wiren; and his beloved daughter, Katie Wiren.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne (Pappas) Wiren; his sisters, Nancy (Wiren) Raynes and Susan (Wiren) Bowie; his daughter, Kelly Wiren and her husband, Richard Madden; and his grandson, Miles, along with extended family and many dear friends.
A private family service will be held in the spring.
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