MESA, Ariz. — James A. Munroe, 72, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in his home in Mesa. James was born on Aug. 14, 1940, in Dover, N.H., the son of Raymond L. Munroe, Sr. and Ruth H. (Kelley) Munroe. He grew up in Lee and Madbury, N.H. and after graduating from Dover High School, Class of 1960, moved to Arizona working for Central Arizona Supply and USA Plumbing and retired in 2009. He had a deep love for his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a very mechanically and technically inclined individual and his hobbies included building and racing model boats and he was a member of the National American Model Boaters Association. He was predeceased by his mother, father and brother and leaves behind a devoted wife of 12 years, Linda (Barry) Munroe and four children, Russell Munroe and wife Lynda of Yoncalla, Ore., Brian Munroe and wife Clara of Buckeye, Scott Munroe and wife Becky of Gilbert and Ruth Ostermeier and husband John of Queen Creek and his sister-in-law, Anita Munroe of Dover, N.H. He also leaves behind his five grandchildren, Xavier and Skylar Munroe, Shane and Chloe Morris, and Grace Ostermeier; two step-grandchildren, Celeste and Andrew Fields and two stepsons Michael Leland and wife Lisa of Richmond, Va. and Barry Leland and wife Tammy of Veradale, Wash. The entire Munroe and Leland Families would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at the office of Dr. Michael Wade of Gilbert, Ariz. and to the wonderful nurses and caregivers from the Hospice of the Valley here in Arizona, who if it were not for their love, compassion and care, would not have made it possible for him to remain at home for the duration of his life. Memorial services will be held at an undetermined date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name can be made to the Hospice of the Valley , 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, Ariz. 85014 Arrangements are entrusted to Purdy Funeral Service, 655 Central Avenue, Dover, N.H. 03820.