Benjamin James

Benjamin Francis James, 95, of Sanford, Maine, entered the gates of heaven on January 28, 2015. He was married to Myrtle Nason James and was preceded in death by his first wife of 61 years, Lois Pearl Nason James in 2004. He was born on April 27, 1919 in West Mills, Maine and was one of four children born to John and Maud (Mace) James. Ben grew up in Maine and graduated from Norridgewock High School. He proudly served our country in the US Navy and was honorably discharged in 1945. He owned a small store in Reedfield, Maine and later moved to Coventry, Connecticut where he lived for 30 years. During his time in Connecticut he worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, giving aircraft engines their final testing and inspections before they left the plant. In 1982 he took an early retirement and moved to Leesburg, Georgia where he lived until his wife, Lois, died in 2004. After her death, Ben moved to Connecticut and then to Pennsylvania. In 2005 he moved to Sanford to marry Myrtle and lived there until his death.Ben saw many changes during his 95 years. When he was a young man he plowed farm fields using a team of horses. After he retired from Pratt & Whitney, he took a part time job on a pecan farm in Georgia and used a computerized tractor with an air conditioned cab. He used to shake his head and marvel at the changes he had seen throughout his lifetime.Those who were privileged to know Ben knew that he was a humble man of integrity. He was a patient man with quiet, indomitable strength. He was devoted to God and to his family. Ben believed that he was put on this earth to help others and share God's love with them. In his younger days he loved to grow more vegetables than his family could possibly eat and give the extra produce to anyone who could use it. In his later days he offered a free handyman service to those in need. His business card read, "Some jobs too big; no job too small" and he refused payment for any of his services.Ben enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, laughing, sharing jokes, and being an instrument of peace. He is survived by his wife, Myrtle Nason James. He is also survived by his loving children Joanne Altbergs of North Windham, CT, Nancy Vassar of Mansfield Center, CT, Carl James of Sarasota, FL, Sandy Maheu and her husband Art Maheu of Hendersonville, NV, and Beve Robbins of Sarasota, FL, and a sister Ethel Shepherd of Windsor Locks, CT. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 21 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois James, a daughter Judy James, and two sisters, Christine Kilpatrick and Ruth Stevens.Private services will be held at a later date. Rest in peace, dear Ben. The world is a better place because you have been here with us. You will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved you.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com