James Donal Seavey

Portland- James Donal Seavey 91, formerly of Portland died in Wells, Maine on January 23, 2022, after a long period of declining health. He was born on September 27, 1930, in Bangor, Maine to Beatrice (Clark) Seavey Tibbetts. He attended local Bangor schools until around age 10 when his family moved to Portland.

Eventually, he lived on Long Island in Casco Bay, attending the island’s public grade school. Being the only boy in his class, he claimed to have won every superlative from “Best Looking” to “Most Likely to Succeed”.

Jim was known by many names. To his Bangor family, he was “Donnie”; to his wife and Portland family “Jimmy”. He was “Dad” to Michael and Patti, “Papa” to his grandchildren and great grandson, and “poor Jimmy” to his mother-in-law that was eventually shortened to “PJ”.

Before graduating from Portland High School in 1950, his picture was on the front cover of Parade Magazine for taking the Casco Bay Ferry to and from high school every day. He often considered this his fifteen minutes of fame.

After high school graduation, Jim served in the United States Naval Reserves and upon completion, began working at American Can Company in Portland. During his years at American Can, he served several terms as president of his local union of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. He worked there until just prior to the factory closing in 1973. Without losing a day’s work, he was hired at Portland Water District where he worked until he retired in 1997.

On May 24, 1952, he married the love of his life Anita (Menario) Seavey. They would have been married 70 years this May and were each other’s soul mate. They were always together. Vacationing with friends, they often visited family in California and traveled to Europe and the Canadian Rockies. Many winters they stayed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with close friends.

But most especially, Jim and Anita loved spending time with family and friends. Seeing everyone they love gathering for recreation, meals, and conversation was the central joy of their life. Jim was a self-taught wood carver. He gifted many with his beautiful hand-crafted birds, humorous characters and other imaginative wood sculptures

Jim is survived by Anita of Wells, a son Michael J of Biddeford, a daughter Patricia and her husband Michael Duffy of Wells, a grandson Ryan Duffy his wife Joanna and their son Odin of Kittery, Maine; a granddaughter Kaleigh Duffy and her partner Dan Lovely of Vermont, a brother Rev. Richard K. Tibbetts of Atlanta, Georgia; his sister-in-law Antoinette Menario, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, his sister Joan (Seavey)Brennan of Bangor, his brother Charles Clark, his in-laws Michael and Gladys Menario, brother-in-law John Menario and brother-in-law J Robert Brennan.

Jim’s family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. James Zeitlin of Intermed for his great care over these many years, and to Beacon Hospice, especially Keith and Annette for their expert service these past several months. Because of the continuing pandemic situation, funeral services will be delayed until a later date.