James W. Rawcliffe

Bangor-Brewer - James Wilfred Rawcliffe lost his ten-year battle to Alzheimer’s disease on May 11, 2019, surrounded by his family, leaving behind an adoring and admiring family and an impact on the lives of countless people. Jim was born in 1939 in Bangor, Maine to Bessie Foster Rawcliffe and Wilfred Byron Rawcliffe. Jim grew up in Hampden where everyone knew him as Jamie. In 1957, he met the love of his life, Betty-Lou Tracy. They were married in 1958 and started their life journey together having three children Lynn Rawcliffe Meader, David James Rawcliffe, and Amy Rawcliffe Fogg. He graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1959. Jim was an incredible, passionate husband, father, grandfather, friend, and businessman. He was loved by everyone who knew him and was always willing to give someone a chance. He loved his family fiercely and was proud of them all. In 1960, Jim started working as a sales person at Lane Supply Company. 15 years later he and his business partner, Wally Laqualia, purchased Lane Supply Company. For over 25 years, he worked with exceptional people he respected and admired. Jim loved his community attending many Brewer High School football and basketball games. For years, he enjoyed coaching little league baseball with his friend Jerry Hayes. Jim had many passions, one of which was racing standardbred horses. Many weekends were spent going to the racetrack watching his horses cross the finish line. Most of the time they did not finish first but he enjoyed every minute of it. He also raised miniature horses and loved to show off his prized stallions in local parades. Come fall, Jim’s thoughts turned to deer hunting in the woods around Hampden. He was an excellent hunter and greatly enjoyed the company of friends and family on these hunts. James is predeceased by his mother, Bessie Rawcliffe; father Wilfred Rawcliffe, and many special Aunts and Uncles. He is survived by his loving wife Betty-Lou Tracy Rawcliffe; his children Lynn Rawcliffe Meader and husband Michael Meader; David James Rawcliffe and wife Tina Rawcliffe; and Amy Rawcliffe Fogg and husband Peter Fogg; his grandchildren Matthew Meader, Ashley Rawcliffe, Sydney Langis, Lauren Fogg, Katherine Fogg, and Jamie Fogg; and his first great-grandchild, Eliza Langis. He is also survived by his siblings whom he loved so much. His very special sister Judy Rawcliffe Hawkins and brothers John Rawcliffe, and Jeffery Rawcliffe. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 11 am. Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Brookings- Smith 133 Center St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center, 163 Center St. immediately following. The family wishes to thank Loving Touch In-Home Care, Visiting Angels In-Home Care, Beacon Hospice, Dr. Clifford Singer, and Rachel Muncey RNC for their care and support throughout his illness. Those wishing to remember Jim in a special way, may make donations in his memory to My Friend’s Place, 703 Essex St., Bangor, ME 04401, a day program for adults with memory-related illnesses. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.