James P. Jim Fox

PORTLAND - James P. "Jim" Fox, 59, of Froswick Ave in South Portland, died Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the Barron Center with his loving family by his side. Jim was born in Portland on December 12, 1951 the son of the late Dr. Francis H. and Catharine Cahill Fox. He attended Pride Training School and graduated in 1971. He was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Portland where he was active in the SPRED program, which was an important and meaningful part of his life. He was employed by Goodwill Industries for over twenty five years as a warehouse technician and then in his later years he worked at the Morrison Center in the Seedlings and Ahead One Program. Jim has been an active and longtime honorary member of the Portland Fire Department, Bramhall Station. He was present on the day in 1966 when they backed the trucks into the new station on Congress Street for the first time and has been a presence there ever since. Jim has always been considered a part of the firefighter family in Portland, a camaraderie of friendship for many years. In 2003, Jim received the distinction of being named Honorary Deputy Chief for the Portland Fire Department. Jim's affiliation with the Bramhall Station spanned more than three generations of firefighters. Jim was an active member of Special Olympics for many years, he was an avid fan of WWF professional wrestling, boating, bowling, golf, swimming and enjoyed attending swim meets with his brother and spending time at the family cottage on Long Lake in Harrison. He was a fan of local sports teams and had an active social life in the city of Portland his entire life. Jim's family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of the Group Home by Lutheran Social Services and the staff of the Barron Center for the excellent care provided to Jim. Jim was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by two brothers Jack and Mary Fox of South Portland, Francis H. and Jean Fox of South Portland, two sisters Catharine A. Fox of Westbrook, Elizabeth M. Fox and Wally Gold of Edgartown, MA, many nieces nephews along with his extended family at the Portland Fire Department. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 9:15am followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church, Corner of Mellen St. and Sherman St., Portland. Burial will follow in the family lot at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Those who wish may make contributions in Jim's memory to: James Fox Memorial Fund, Payable to: Portland Firefighters Burn Foundation, 380 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101Online Condolences for James Fox