South Portland – James A. Castonia, 71, passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Lisa, after a yearlong hospital stay at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. It was their 27th wedding anniversary and the first day of Spring.
Jim and Lisa’s journey started in March 2025 when Jim underwent surgery for an LVAD, a lifesaving device to treat his heart failure. Sadly, his case was extremely complicated and demanded that his team think even further outside the box. The skilled team at BWH is too many to name but Jim and Lisa are grateful for their care and tender support. Music filled Jim’s room and soul ‘round the clock, and the team enjoyed it as well. Lisa poured every ounce of herself into Jim’s care, becoming a fierce advocate for his recovery. Lisa received invaluable support from HeartBrothers Foundation and Hospitality Homes; she found herself a Mainer in Boston and strangers that Lisa met along the way became lifelong friends.
Jim was born in Lubec on April 29, 1954, the son of the late George and Doris Castonia. He loved returning Downeast. He was a graduate of Deering High School and spent many years as a medical photographer at the Osteopathic Hospital, Portland, Maine. Before he found his place at the Osteopathic, he spent several years with his favorite Aunt Tootie experiencing life and college in Boston.
His love for art and photography led Jim and Lisa to open Grapheteria Custom Framing in 1991 in Portland, Maine. They lived and worked side by side for nearly 35 years. Grapheteria’s work graces the homes and spaces of many clients near and far. His specialty was photo restoration and people were in awe of his wizardly skills. During the year Jim and Lisa were at Brigham, their sole employee of 20 plus years, Michelle, kept the doors open. Jim and Lisa always planned on coming back together. With the help of loyal customers, Lisa and Michelle will continue Grapheteria’s legacy.
While Jim physically walked the Earth, he found himself rooted in the Spiritual World. Parapsychology and Metaphysics became the foundation of Jim’s life. His philosophy was that everyone has a higher aspect of themself and it will speak to you – you just need to listen. Jim often said, “my job here on this Earth is to help people get from point A to point B”. Many people were recipients of his insight and guidance through Tarot readings. He enjoyed working with fallen branches and driftwood to create talismans and scepters.
Jim and Lisa were blessed to travel to National Parks, the Caribbean and many European locations. They fell in love with Ireland and Scotland and of course they loved their ‘staycations’ in Maine. In recent years, Jim felt honored to share the quiet beauty of Downeast Maine with his closest friends. Epic long weekends were filled with music, great food, laughter and many games of cribbage. Jim’s cribbage nickname was “The Oracle” because he was that good!
Jim will be profoundly missed by his wife, Lisa; and cat, Lola. He is survived by brother, Peter Castonia and wife Nancy and their son Jason; sister, Cathy Cook and husband Bob and their daughters Melissa and Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Tammy Auger and her son James; father-in-law, Bruce Peters; and several great nieces and nephews. Jim formed many forever friendships in life and valued each of them. All will miss his gentle spirit.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on May 30, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a service at 4:00 p.m., at the Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral & Gathering Center, 300 Allen Avenue, Portland, Maine. A video tribute will be forthcoming on this website. In lieu of flowers please consider contributing or sharing the GoFundMe page to offset costs incurred by Jim’s medical care:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jims-wife-navigate-life-after-his-passing
Services
Celebration of Life: Saturday, May 30, 2026 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral & Gathering Center
300 Allen Avenue
Portland, Maine 04103
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JamesA.CastoniaCelebration of Life
Celebration of Life
300 Allen Avenue,Portland, Maine 04103
Memorial Service: Saturday, May 30, 2026 4:00 pm
Conroy-Tully Walker Cremation, Funeral & Gathering Center
300 Allen Avenue
Portland, Maine 04103
Add to My Calendar
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2026-05-30 16:00:00
2026-05-30 16:00:00
JamesA.CastoniaMemorial Service
Memorial Service
300 Allen Avenue,Portland, Maine 04103
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You my friend, my bother will forever be missed. You taught me so many things, by simply planting the seed and never gave up on my abilities to grow. You are loved deeply by so many your footprint embedded upon earth and now in heaven. Rest easy my friend. Till we meet again. Thank you for loving me and allowing me to love you in return
Julia
PS: I’m sure that the folks at Brigham would love to have you on the cardiac staff!
Ahoy Jim …… I loved the way you lite-up when we talked about “Way Down-East.
You were a Master in your endeavors & quick witted to boot….. We will reconvene at a later date………meanwhile will plant a “Jimbo-Tree” at Rossport ………. Ross
Dearest Jimmy,
I will cherish all the weekends spent with you teaching me to play pool listening to the Carpenter’s and Petula Clark! I can only imagine the celebration in heaven with mom, dad, Aunt Doris and Uncle George. The coffee and laughter must have been wonderful! I will miss you sweetie. Luv you more, Camie leigh
My childhood holds so many cherished memories with you. The chats on the back stoop, the laughter at the kitchen table, your smirk and your love. I am always sent back to those days when I hear the Carpenters! I will miss you Jimmy but I know you are now at peace. You are now reunited with Aunt Doris & Uncle George, Mom & Dad and Aunt Tootie, oh the party happening in heaven! I love you most Jimbo, miss you so very much.
So many happy memories of you helping me while using your eye for photography for my Capes , for all of the help you , Lisa and Michelle gave to the Black Frame Art sales and the library exhibit on the History of Bayside for the Bayside Neighborhood you always stepped up and became one of our biggest heart beats in the neighborhood
You kind , generous spirit Jim will always hold a special place in many hearts in Portland .. you are always in our hearts . Lisa – we are all here for you
Much love always
Jim was the magician and guide that allowed me to take my passion for photography and with his gifts and knowledge turn that into the joy of expressing my creativity.
Taking me from point A to point B.
Forever Grateful .
Lisa is a force of nature and the most loving and dedicated soul.
The world was a richer place for your presence in it. It’s been a couple of decades since we were neighbors, but I’ll always remember how you and Lisa welcomed us into your home and the many evenings we spent staying up late and talking. Your kindness and openness was a wonderful model for us all.
– Eric
When I first met Jim, I had just taken over the territory in Maine and was eager to grow the business. At the time, he did very little business with our company and was understandably skeptical about building a new relationship. What stood out immediately, however, was how genuine and honest Jim was. Over time, that initial skepticism gave way to trust, and our relationship grew into something far more meaningful than a typical professional connection.
I feel truly grateful to have been on Jim’s and Lisa’s side as their business evolved from a modest space into what it is today. Jim took immense pride in his work and was always eager to share it—whether it was a beautifully framed design, a photography project, or something he had been refining in Photoshop. He was also quick to share stories of his travels abroad with his lovely Lisa, and those conversations always reflected the joy he found in both his craft and his life.
What has stayed with me most is Jim’s kindness, integrity, and unwavering positivity. He was always welcoming, generous with his time, and carried a genuine can-do attitude that made every interaction better. He had a rare ability to make people feel comfortable and valued, and that is something I will always remember.
Jim will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with amazing Lisa and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jim Castonia, my son-in-law my friend. You’re passing is going to affect so many people that know and love you. You had so many talents in your pinky then I do in my whole body. I am grateful for that. You taught me what it was to live love and share with others the world around me
No father-in-law could have been more proud of his son-in-law. You took my little girl and turned her into a very successful woman. You became a member of my family, what a wonderful thing that turned out to be. you gave to both my daughters my grandson and yes, me and reco love.
Last line should be ; you’re undying love. You have left behind you an amazing life and many many family, and friends who adored you. What you taught myself and my family was to freely give of themselves and expect nothing in return that in itself is one beautiful lesson that I had learned.
I know I believe that we shall meet again and when that time comes, I will know that I have found a new home just like you have. Dear LORD please take Jim and give him a wonderful new home. Take him under your wings love and cherish him as we mortal people have done. Thank you, my LORD.
Time now is to say goodbye not forever but till we meet again. I love you, Jim and I know my family loved you very very much. May the LORDS blessing bring your family and friends the comfort they need and to remember you with love and kindness.
Love forever from your Father In Law