Jackson Edward James

Portland - Jackson E. James of Portland died peacefully on January 20, 2015, surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospital. Jack was born in Hoboken, NJ and moved to Maine with his late father and mother, William and Laura James to be reunited with grandparents and other family members. Jack enjoyed telling people that he began his education in 1945 and graduated from Portland High School in 2004, due to being a slow learner. He always had a sense of humor that will be dearly missed. Jack left Highs School to serve his country and earned two honorable discharges during the Korean War on the US Destroyer Gatling and in Washington DC.

Jack worked with various companies throughout his life but enjoyed his painting career and being a handyman/painter at Eunice Frye and for numerous people on their home projects. Jack enjoyed his family, many friends and he loved being a volunteer for many years at the Portland Boat and Flower Shows. His favorite pastime was walking everywhere from his home, to in-town, up to Munjoy Hill, Old Orchard Beach, and the cemeteries always enjoying his adventurous days out.

He is survived by his daughters, Pamela Barnard of South Portland and her husband Michael A. Barnard, Brenda Espinoza of Rumford, Kimberly Coville of Portland and Ashley Burnell of Windham, his ten grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends. He will be laid to rest out to sea, as was his beloved Uncle Gerald who went down on the Swordfish Submarine during WWII in the Sea of Japan.

Jack was predeceased by his father William A. James, mother Laura G. (Fowler), his brother Walter H. James, and his favorite Aunt who raised him like a brother, Phyllis Washburn, (Fowler).

There are no visiting hours scheduled. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday February 7, 2015 at 11:00AM in the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. A reception will follow at the American Legion in Westbrook. Interment will be at a later date. Donations in memory can be given to the American Cancer Society by calling (800) 227-2345 or going on-line to www.cancer.org. On-line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.