James William Mattison

On October 20, 1978 he married the Love of his life, best friend and rock, Linda Norris. They shared 45 wonderful years together. James (Jim) was raised and educated in Rumford, Maine. In his teens, Jim played baseball as a pitcher for his high school and enjoyed skiing at a local ski area not far from home.

After graduation, Jim served in WWII as a Military Policeman in Florence, Italy. When he returned from military duty, he worked for a short time in the Rumford Paper Mill before he was hired at Rumford Power and Light and trained as a lineman. He worked for Rumford Power and Light for five years before advancing to Lineman 1st class. At that point, he and a work buddy had the chance to move to Portland and work for Central Maine Power. They left their shift on a Friday night in Rumford, bummed a ride, and reported to work in Portland on the following Monday. His career spanned a total of 42 years. He performed both regular line and transmission work before his promotion to District Line Foreman in Biddeford. A year later he returned to CMP’s Portland location. He subsequently worked his way to District Line Supervisor, then Division Line Superintendent.

He was an avid fisherman and loved his days hunting. His adventures in the great outdoors were legendary. His wife Linda remembers the day he brought back a pure white 5 pound rock (no deer), that still graces her flower beds. She also remembers the day she and he went out hunting when a snowstorm suddenly erupted and he lost sight of her. He worked his way back to camp only to get holy hell from the others for it. They shot guns off to help direct her back to camp. Jim eventually found her out on the blacktop road.

Another love of his was gardening. He was always giving out his produce and sometimes couldn’t convince the kids to take items they would rather not eat. He was quick to loan tools or make helpful suggestions to neighbors regarding easier ways to work their garden. His trusty toolbox was a constant companion during visits to his children and sister, as they always had a handyman "To Do" list awaiting his expertise. He was quick to teach family and others how to do something, although he was often learning right along with them.

Jim’s also loved his old camp on the Airline (Route 9) in northern Maine. He loved hunting with his sons, Tim and Bob. He spent many weekends over many years with Jerry and their buddies hunting and fishing. After selling that camp, he and Linda purchased an unfinished camp on the lake in Hartland which they lovingly worked on together until finished. He spent many years there, in his “happy place”. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren out fishing and was as thrilled as they were when they caught something together. He was the worm “putter on’er” and the fish “taker off’er”.

When Jim retired in 1989, he purchased a truck and travel trailer for his “bucket list”, dream road-trip to Alaska. He and Linda left their Portland driveway on April 30, 1989, one day after his retirement celebration. They travelled a total of 33,000 plus miles while hitting each of the lower 48 states. They returned home for the holidays and began their migration south to Florida. They spent a few years in Cape Coral before purchasing a condo in Port Charlotte. They took a total of 13 cruises and he was hooked.

Jim loved taking his kids camping as they were growing up. He had a special bond with his children and grandchildren, creating cherished memories through camping trips and quality time together.

He was very quick and loved to play with his grandchildren and was always making something for them to play with. He was recently lucky enough to meet his last two Great Grandsons and hold them. A very precious moment.

Jim’s eldest son Tim has a fond memory of his Dad when they toured Italy as a family and they were assigned a place of honor on the main stage with Pope Benedict in recognition of Jim’s service during the occupation of Italy.

Jim’s eldest daughter Cindy is quick to remember when she was a little girl and, on a random Saturday, he asked what she wanted to do together for the day, just the two of them. So just as Cindy asked, they were off to Palace Playland for the day. He also had a special way of making each of his children, individually, feel special. He was worlds the best hugger. You could never leave him without a crazy goodbye hug!

His daughter Coleen has several fond memories of camping with her dad. They often went to Littlefield Beaches campground, but their trip to Mount Blue will never be forgotten.

His step-son, Joe says it’s the simple things, like when Jim taught him to shave for the first time -- as his most cherished memory.

His step-daughter Pam remembers being introduced to the love of the outdoors which included camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, and canoeing. Her favorite memory was catching her first fish and running back to camp with the fish still on the line for Jim to take it off for her.

Linda took care of Jim at their home on Maine Avenue for a number of years after he was diagnosed with dementia. Shortly after Fathers Day 2023, he came down with Covid, which required hospital care. After release from the hospital, Jim was cared for at the Veterans Nursing Facility in Scarborough where he remained until his death.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, his loving sister Patricia Greene, and his son Robert Mattison. He is survived by his devoted wife Linda, son Timothy (Lalaine) Mattison, daughter Cindy (Albert) Kelly, daughter Coleen (Patrick) Greene, daughter-in-law Teresa Norton Mattison, stepson Joseph Charlton, stepdaughter Pamela (James) Bonnvie, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours Thursday September 28, 2023 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home 199 Woodford Street Portland, ME. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine on Friday September 29, 2023 at 10 am followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery South Portland.

The family asks that instead of flowers, donations be made in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Maine, 383 US Route 1, Suite 2-C, Scarborough, Maine 04074.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for the Mattison family.