James E. Ferrier, 92, of Damariscotta, passed away Nov. 7 at his home after a brief illness with his loving wife, Eleanor, by his side.
He was born in Paterson, N.J. on Aug. 1, 1920, the son of James and Rose Ferrier. He attended School #5 and Central High School in Paterson, and completed a business administration course at Rutgers University in 1942.
As a young man, he was a member of the Order of DeMolay in Paterson, N.J. and received the highest national award, The Degree of Chevalier. He later became a member of the Masonic Lodge in Paterson, N.J.
James was employed by John Royle & Sons as an accountant in Paterson, N.J.
James entered the service in WWII on Feb. 22, 1943 serving as a radio operator, a mechanic and an aerial gunner on the B-24 and flew 38 missions in the 8th Air Force, 458th Bombardment Group, 96th Combat Bomb Wing and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Middle Eastern Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was also presented a Certificate of Valor by the officers and men of the 458th Bomb Group. His service included the Air Offensive of Europe, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 4, 1945.
After the war, he returned to work at John Royle & Sons where he met Eleanor Birkhoff and they were married on June 15, 1946. After completing the mechanical engineering course through The International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Penn. in 1958, he became a sales engineer for NRM Corporation selling plastic extrusion machinery. He was a senior member of The Society of Plastic Engineers. He retired in 1985.
James was a member of the Pequannock Reformed Church in Wayne, N.J. where he served as deacon, elder, and Sunday school superintendent. He and his wife Eleanor were also members of the Elks Lodge #2181 in Wayne, N.J.
In 1987, James and Eleanor purchased Duck Puddle Campground in Nobleboro, and operated the campground with their family for 17 years.
James was predeceased by his daughter, Ellen Jane of Damariscotta.
He is survived by his loving wife, with whom he recently celebrated his 66th wedding anniversary, Eleanor of Damariscotta; son, James H. Ferrier and wife Susan of Waldoboro; grandchildren, Jym and wife Melissa and their daughter, Madeleine (his great-granddaughter), Michael, Kaitlyn, Andrew and Kelly and husband, Nate Littlefield; as well as his sister, Florence E. Noren of Wyckoff, N.J.
A funeral was held at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home on Nov. 10. A gathering of family and friends followed at his home in Damariscotta. He was laid to rest with his daughter in the Brookland Cemetery in Waldoboro.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
