James Jim Blair Goodbody

November 13, 1933 - May 2, 2012

Yarmouth - James Blair Goodbody “Jim” passed away May 2, 2012. Jim, who was born on November 13th, 1933 in New York City, loved his family and friends and banjo, bluegrass music, and bridge. He dedicated much of his public life, however, to education.

Jim was a proud graduate of the Kent School, Williams College (Class of 1955), and the University of Michigan Law School (Class of 1965), where he was an Assistant Editor of the Michigan Law Review.

Between 1965 – 1972, he worked in Washington, D.C., as a partner in the investment firm Goodbody & Company. During this time, he convinced Madeline Albright, who he became acquainted with through events at his children’s school, to get into politics.

After a brief stint as Vice Chairman of the National Finance Committee for Senator Ed Muskie’s 1972 presidential campaign, Jim moved with his family to Cumberland Foreside. He opened a small brokerage office and soon became involved with the Portland Society of Art, which comprised both the Portland Museum of Art and the Portland School of Art, now known as the Maine College of Art.

Between 1973 and 1984, Jim tirelessly served the society and, later, the school: first, as a Trustee and, then, as its Director. In 1980, the school bestowed upon him honorary doctorate for his service to the advancement of the education of artists. During his tenure, the school tripled in size and received accreditation by the NEASC.

After Jim retired from the art school, he continued to dedicate himself to education, now as a Trustee of Gould Academy. For twenty-two years, between 1983 – 2005, he was active in the school's fund raising and its strategic planning and financial decisions. He was not an alumnus or past parent, so the Gould community simply referred to him as a "Great Friend of Gould."

Jim spent his last years residing at Bay Square Assisted living in Yarmouth, Maine, where he endeared himself to the many angels that live and work there.

Jim is survived by his former spouse Barbara Morris Goodbody, his daughter Bridget Goodbody, his sons Robert and Jim Goodbody, and his four Grandchildren Ben Goodbody, Abigail Radey, Marcus Goodbody, and Hanna Goodbody.

A public service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held Friday May 11th at 11:00am at the Foreside Community Church, 340 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.