James F Kneeland

South Portland - James F. Kneeland, 93, died Saturday, March 17, 2018 at his home in South Portland, Maine. Born in Worcester on October 2, 1924, Jimmy was the son of the late John and Catherine (Carey) Kneeland. He was raised in Worcester and attended local schools. Jimmy honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps in the Pioneers during WWII. After the war, he moved to Brooklyn where he lived most of his adult life and worked for the City of New York. In 1952, Jimmy married the love of his life, Gertrude. Together, they shared over 50 years of marriage full of love and devotion. In Jimmy's eyes, Gertie could do no wrong. It broke his heart when she passed away; however, he always kept her memory alive by thinking of her often and sharing "Gertie" stories. When Jimmy retired, he spent most of the colder months in Florida. During the warm months, however, he would summer in Maine to be near his sisters. In recent years, he moved to South Portland where he lived with his twin sister, Kay. Jimmy was known for being a voracious reader, having a heart of gold and a keen wit, and being a friend to anyone. He had a mischievous sense of humor that lit up his face. He will be deeply missed. He is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Gertrude; and his brother, John. He is survived by his sisters, Kay Kneeland of South Portland and Sister Mary Kneeland, R.S.M. of Portland. Jimmy is also survived by his niece, Katherine Kneeland and her husband, Mark Chaffee of Newton, MA; and his nephew, John Kneeland of TX. Visiting Hours celebrating Jimmy's life will be held on Monday, March 19 from 5-8PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited in the Chapel on Tuesday, March 20 at 10:15AM followed by an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. A reception will follow at the Conroy-Tully Walker Reception Center, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Sisters of Mercy, 966 Riverside Street, Portland, Maine, 04103