James Leon McFarland, 86, of South Bristol, passed away early on the morning of Nov. 1 at Maine Medical Center with his family at his side. The son of Sumner and Helen (Nason) McFarland, he was born at home in South Bristol April 21, 1922. Jim served his country honorably in the U.S. Army, serving in WWII from 1943-1945. After returning, he began a career in wooden boatbuilding, working at several yards in the region, including Gamage Shipyard in South Bristol, Goudy & Stevens, Hodgdon Brothers and Samples, all in East Boothbay. A few of his accomplishments during his 40 year career included the Victory Chimes, the America, Balmy Days and Lions Whelp.
A dedicated husband and family man, he and his wife Zoa (Erskine) McFarland would have celebrated their 70th anniversary this coming February. Jim loved the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and trips both to northern Maine and Alaska. He was a member of the Alna-Anchor Lodge of Masons, receiving his 55 year pin this year.
He was predeceased by three siblings, Verona Keene, Roland McFarland, and Marshall McFarland and his son-in-law, Robert Woodward.
He leaves his loving wife of South Bristol; son, Neil and wife Emma McFarland of South Bristol; daughters, Barbara Woodward of Nobleboro, Wendy Dunham and husband Devin of Lisbon, and Sherry Mortensen and husband Aaron of Waldoboro; nine grandchildren, Elaine Rector, Tracy Lane, Angela Mercer, Stacy Woodward, Gerald James Dunham, Brittany and Cameron Prock and Brandon and Kallon Mortensen; six great-grandchildren, Cory, Casey, A.J., Nicholas, Madalyn, and Aubrey; seven siblings, Victoria Chandler, Geraldine Mahan, Sumner McFarland, Reita Sewall, Arthur McFarland, Beryl Thompson and Evelyn Ball, and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to join the family 5-7 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 6 at the Strong Funeral Home, where a service to honor Jim will be 12 p.m., Fri., Nov. 7, with Rick Newell officiating. He will be laid to rest at the West Bristol Cemetery, Walpole.
If desired, donations may be made to South Bristol First Responders, P.O. Box 150, South Bristol, ME 04568.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Damariscotta.