BANGOR – James Douglas Powers, 61, blind Bangor artist, passed away August 16, 2019, at a Bangor healthcare facility, with kidney donor and close friend, Paul Jackson, and lifelong friend, Cathy Valance and Robert Murray, by his side. He was born June 16, 1958, in Bangor, the son of Douglas and Mary Bernadette (Mullens) Powers.
James graduated from John Bapst Memorial High School, Class of 1976. Following graduation, he worked for Eastern Maine General Hospital in the Material Handling and Purchasing Department. James was an exceptionally talented artist who began oil painting shortly after high school. After James lost his vision, he went to the Maine Center of the Blind, where he later became a board member. James’s disability was not going to slow him down, and years later, he enrolled at The University of Maine, graduating with a B.A. Degree in Human Services, where he was recognized as student of the year. He continued his passion for painting, earning the distinction of having his artwork on display at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, the Portland Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Art Institute of Chicago. James was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor. He also enjoyed Red Sox baseball, a passion that he developed early in life from his Grampie Jim.
In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by a sister, Mary-Ellen Powers, and an infant identical twin, John. He is survived by many many friends.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2019, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2019, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor. All are welcome to share conversation and refreshments in the parish hall immediately following the Mass, Friday. Private interment will be in Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor, at a later date. Those wishing to remember James in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com
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James graduated from John Bapst Memorial High School, Class of 1976. Following graduation, he worked for Eastern Maine General Hospital in the Material Handling and Purchasing Department. James was an exceptionally talented artist who began oil painting shortly after high school. After James lost his vision, he went to the Maine Center of the Blind, where he later became a board member. James’s disability was not going to slow him down, and years later, he enrolled at The University of Maine, graduating with a B.A. Degree in Human Services, where he was recognized as student of the year. He continued his passion for painting, earning the distinction of having his artwork on display at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, the Portland Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Art Institute of Chicago. James was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor. He also enjoyed Red Sox baseball, a passion that he developed early in life from his Grampie Jim.
In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by a sister, Mary-Ellen Powers, and an infant identical twin, John. He is survived by many many friends.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2019, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2019, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor. All are welcome to share conversation and refreshments in the parish hall immediately following the Mass, Friday. Private interment will be in Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor, at a later date. Those wishing to remember James in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com
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Brookings-Smith, Bangor
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St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary's Catholic Church
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St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary's Catholic Church
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Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery
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