James Alton Harbaugh

Westbrook – James A. Harbaugh, 84, of Portland, he passed away on April 21, 2022 with his daughter Susan by his side. He was born in Roaring Spring, PA the son of Denver and Helen (Burkholder) Harbaugh on June 27, 1937.

Jim left high school to join the Navy where he obtained his GED to serve his country in 1956. He was stationed in Brunswick, ME where he learned his future trade as a Fire Fighter. After retiring from the United States Navy he joined the Portland Fire Department where he worked from 1961 to 1982 as a faithful protector of the City of Portland. Jim worked as an electrician for Young’s Electric, Grounds keeper for a local nursing home, also as a driver for Roak’s Greenhouse for 8 years. After his retirement he became a crossing guard assisting the children from Lyseth and Lyman Moore Elementary. As the kids grew up they remember him and would always stop to say hi to him even to this day.

Jim met the love of his life Betty later years, they were happily married for 37 years. One of the last things Betty said to him was " you are my number one man"

He love to travel especially with his wife Betty! Every year they would decide to make plans for the following year and where they would spend their vacation. The one place that you could always count on him visiting during vacation was spend time at home in Pennsylvania to spend time with his family there. He introduced Betty to the Amish Country which she quickly came to love and made many trips there over their time.

Without fail Jim and Betty would be seen out for breakfast at Steve & Renee’s Diner with their family and friends. Once it closed they moved their breakfast stays to Maelily & Ryleigh’s. Even after Jim lost his wife he would still make the breakfast trips but this time to the IHOP. When he was at breakfast, at work, or with his family and friends he was known to have a great sense of humor an quick witted that would always have the folks around him in laughter.

Jim spent many years with his grandson Paul Utterstrom either planting a garden, helping him build something, or just hanging out together or going on vacation. In his spare time, he would do puzzles in the winter with Susan that always involved State or history puzzles. He was the happiest when the whole family would be together.

He is survived by his sister Bonnie and Jerry Loop and Glenna James; a brother Clarence and Janice James; children Susan Utterstrom, James Harbaugh Jr, Janice Rucker, Janine Bailey, and William Cuddy; 15 grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Betty (Peterson) Harbaugh of 37 years, parents Denver and Helen (Hale Burkholder) Harbaugh; his brothers Carl and Allen; sisters Ethel, Jean, Jane, Margie, and Esther.

You may offer your condolences or share your fond memories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Hospice of Southern Maine, especially Annette.

In lieu of flowers place make donations to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House!

Committal services will be private at James request.