BRUNSWICK – James E. Palmer, age 65, died Friday, Oct. 27.

He was born Nov. 5, 1952 in Houlton, Maine, the son of Ralph and Anna (Neddeau) Palmer.

Jim attended Houlton and Madawaska schools and was a 1970 graduate of Madawaska High School. He went on to Eisenhower College and the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

In 1977, Jim began work for the Aroostook County Action Program as a Carpenter Assistant.  He quickly took on positions of increasing responsibility including becoming Housing Director in 1980. During his time at ACAP, Jim led a team helping to provide the people of Aroostook with services and resources to help them achieve greater economic independence, particularly related to energy and housing.

Jim left the rigors of leading ACAP in 1987 and spent time writing, hiking and learning how to play the harmonica at his beloved camp on Long Lake.

Jim married Karla Daggett in 1991 and loved helping to raise Karla’s daughters, Missy and Anna.

Jim spent many years working in retail in the southern Maine area, where he enjoyed interacting with customers and developing many friendships.

Jim was a voracious reader, excellent carpenter and enjoyed canoeing and spending time outdoors. Jim was known among family and friends for his ability to win at Trivial Pursuit before any of us could get a turn.  Jim was kind, caring and always put family first.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Ralph and brothers Andy and John.  Surviving are his mother, Anna and sisters Jane (and Barry), Martha and Mary.

An informal gathering in celebration of Jim’s life will happen on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. at the home of his mother and sister, Martha’s at 63 Pleasant Hill Road, Freeport.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please take someone you love for a walk or a picnic.

Arrangements are by Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal St. Brunswick where memorial condolences may be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com