Portland- James Chase, 94, of Grafton Street passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026. He was born on December 12, 1931, in Quincy, Massachusetts to Howard and Helen (Cowing) Chase. James was raised and educated in Weymouth, Massachusetts and graduated from Weymouth High School in 1949.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he spent 18 months stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1953. James then attended Northeastern University and earned his degree in business management in 1958.
In September 1958, Jim made the best decision of his lifetime when he married Catherine Walls. They were married for 59 wonderful years until Cathy’s passing in 2017. They spent the early years of their marriage living in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In 1970 they moved to Portland, Maine and created their lifelong and loving home together and raised their family.
Like his marriage, James’ career at Sherwin Williams also lasted a lifetime. He worked with the company for 53 years until he retired at the age of 80 in 2012.
One of the most enriching experiences of Jim’s life were the friendships he made when he joined the Sullivan Gym at USM. The journey led him to a path of renewed health, road racing and marathons. He ran five marathons throughout his life and valued his time as a runner. In his eighties, he was introduced to pickleball. He played 5 to 6 days a week well into his nineties. He felt very lucky to meet and play with so many wonderful people.
He was predeceased by his parents, his devoted wife Cathy, his daughter Debra O’Brion, son-in-law Richard O’Brion, his sisters Jean Haddad, Peggy Cauley, Lois Stone and his treasured brothers and sisters-in-law of Massachusetts.
James is survived by his daughter Patricia Peterson and husband David, sons Kenneth Chase, Kevin Clancy and wife Lynda, 10 amazing grandchildren, 18, soon to be 19, adored great grandchildren and many caring nieces and nephews.
Jim was truly one of a kind. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and all that knew him for his wisdom, positivity and strength. He will be deeply missed.
His final wish for all of his family and friends is health, happiness and a “good life” because that’s exactly what he experienced. He hopes people will remember him and smile as he’s moved on to renew his valued relationships with love.
Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 2-4 PM at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. Military honors will be rendered by members of the United States Air Force at 4:00 PM.
