James M. Sawyer

James was born on October 12, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota son of the late Harry Raymond Sawyer and Dorotha Marie Runyon. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, during that time he fought in the Korean “Conflict” War as an aerial photographer.

On December 12, 1953, Jim married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Leighton, at the St. Lawrence Congregational Church in Portland. He worked for Benson and Grant, Kennison Floors and Fashion Floors from 1955 to 1961. He retired from Pine State Elevator in 1995 after working there for 34 years as a construction supervisor and continued on as a State Elevator Inspector until 2000.

Jim was one of the founding fathers of Windham Little League baseball that was established in 1967. He was also one of the creators of the Windham Athletic Boosters in 1971.

Jim was a life member of the Deering Memorial VFW Post 6859 since 1985, serving as Post Commander from 1988 to 1990. He also served on the National Security & Foreign Affairs Committee. He was National Aide-de-Camp, Department of Maine Youth Activities Chairman and served as Committee member for National Youth Activities from 1990-1992. He was currently working as the VFW Post Quarter Master and has held that position since 1995, as well as District 10 Quarter Master. He served as Maine State VFW Commander from 2002-2003.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 57 years, two children; Ken Sawyer and his wife Rita of Windham and Karen (Sawyer) Kelley of Naples, six grandchildren; Christine Wood, Brian Sawyer, Felicia Sawyer, Heather Martin, Morgan Sawyer and Sarah Winant, three great grandchildren; Alexandra Wood, Jack Wood and Elias Sawyer. He is also survived by his three sisters; Marilyn Hodgdon of Portland, Blanche Pramis of Buxton and Carol and Bill Hall of Windham.

A special thanks to Stephen “Buck” Rand of Standish for his loyalty to Jim and his family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Tuesday March 1, 2011 from 4-6p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland.

Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m., at the funeral home, with William R. Doughty, Post Chaplin officiating.

Interment at the convenience of the family will be at the Maine Veterans Cemetery Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Refuge League 449 Stroudwater St. Westbrook, ME 04092-4097.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Jim’s guestbook.