A thinker, lover, dreamer, wisher, hoper, seeker of knowledge, he was.
And likely always will be as he hitchhikes amongst galaxies
now that he has transcended his physical state of being...
no longer tethered to earthly matters. Excepting those souls he has touched
generously with his wisdom, laughter, peace. He was a jokester up until the very last day
sporting his charismatic chin to the sky chuckle...even though breath was at a premium.
Oh, and that starry eyed lopsided grin.
His passions revolved around culture. He was formally educated at the Institute of American Indian Art,
Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sculpture, metal work, beading, drawing, painting, native flute
were his mediums of creative outlet. Earth, wind, fire, great spirit: his muses.
His years as Penobscot Nation Museum curator secured his sense of identity.
Tracing artifacts and lineages upon any fortunate being that walked through the door.
His stories were infinite...always historically accurate yet punctuated with humor or poetic
morality.
As for the concept of Oneness with the Universe he was both a student and a scholar.
"Be one with the cold" he would say. Not only systematic relaxation but a crucial survival skill for Maine
winters. Summers brought mosquitoes, of which not a single fly's demise came
from him. "All beings are sacred" he would say.
Many readers will know the immense beauty of his love.
There are others who will not. Find it within. Trust, it exists.
This man, this human being was not without faults. He has caused pain, even to those he loved dearly.
Though he was gifted in knowing and praying for healing His first Achilles heel was inaction...unable to navigate the intricacies of a necessary apology or long lost
conversation. His second was not wanting to be a burden...
he would starve in the midst of plenty especially if it meant sparing his perception of pain upon others.
Despite this, he stood on his own two feet until the very last day.
He left us with an intact mind, self-integrity, and utmost bravery. He left us on his own terms, "a good day to die" he would say...and in the same breath, as it became air, "we will always be connected."
He was born to his adoring mother Susan Socoby Neptune and father Arthur Neptune who predeceased their youngest son. He was also predeceased by his great uncle and spiritual guide Arnie Neptune.
May the creator watch over his brothers: Stephen, Stanley and Martin Neptune; and his sisters: Janice and Neana Neptune and her husband Sheenee Presnell. Always and forever loved are his
daughters: Jody Grant, Jamie Murphy, Alexandra Francis, Jessica Alicea-Santiago; and his sons: Nipaw Francis, Charles Attean, Thomas Attean and Sage Neptune. Numerous grandchildren, great
grandchildren, nieces and nephews were cherished beyond words. Special honor to the beautiful women who gave birth and nurtured his children: Kelly Anne Neptune, Michele Attean, Ericka Francis, Sophia
Murphy and Elizabeth Libbey.
A celebration of life gathering for James will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2019
from 11:00 AM at Sockalexis bingo hall, 16 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island, Maine 04468. Following the celebration of life gathering will be a pot luck at 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Sockalexis Bingo Hall, 16 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island, Maine 04468.
In lieu of flowers, please arrange donations to the Penobscot Nation Museum
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at
www.BirminghamFuneralHome.com for the Neptune family.
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