James C. Peary

Scarborough- James C. Peary Sr., 68, of Maple Avenue died peacefully after an 11 month battle with cancer on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at home, with his loving family by his side. Jim was born in Portland, Maine on May 5, 1955, the son of the late Robert C. and Emily E. (Hines) Peary. He attended Scarborough schools and graduated from Scarborough High School in the class of 1973. In high school, Jim enjoyed working with his father at the family’s auto repair business located on Route 1 in Scarborough. He continued this work there for nearly 30 years. Upon his father’s retirement, Jim took over the business until it was sold in 2002. Jim then went on to work as an auto mechanic at Frank Galos Chevrolet in Saco for another 18 years, retiring in 2020. Jim married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Vicki Nicholas, on September 28, 1974. In his younger years, Jim was involved in stock car racing. He drove in the Wildcat division at Beech Ridge Speedway in Scarborough. While the children were young, they took many adventures traveling and camping in their 20’ Lil’ Hobo trailer. He enjoyed being surrounded by family at cookouts hosted at his home, going on his yearly cruises with his wife, and working around the house and yard. Jim placed a great deal of importance on family and was always willing to help others with that forever smile of his. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Vicki R. Peary of Scarborough; a son, James C. Peary Jr. of Danvers, MA; a daughter, Andrea and her husband, Frank Donovan of Portland; four grandsons, Michael and Jack Peary of Scarborough, Nicholas and Clayton Donovan of Portland; a brother, Robert Peary Jr. of Scarborough; a sister, Linda Dolloff of Standish; brother-in-law Mark Nicholas of Scarborough, several nieces, nephews and cousins. At the family’s request, a graveside burial service will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view Jim’s memorial page, or to share an online condolences, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com