SURRY – James Greenlaw, son of Mattie Belle Robinson Greenlaw of Isle au Haut and Aubrey E. Greenlaw of Masardis, passed away peacefully March 13, 2025, at a family home in Surry surrounded by “his girls.” He was born Feb. 13, 1930.

James was a proud Marine and served his country in the Korean War as a member of the US Army where he was recognized for his role in intelligence while stationed in Korea. After the war, James attended Colby College on the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in Business. James had a long career in information systems starting back with mainframe computers. His work life spanned Pitney Bowes, Keyes Fiber, Bath Iron Works and Lukens Steel.

James married Martha Louise Getchell in 1956 and they raised four children on and off the Coast of Maine. When they retired to Isle au Haut in 1991, James began a second career fishing for lobster. Both he and Martha loved being on the water – In later years they loved sitting on their deck with cocktails and simply gazing out across Penobscot Bay.

James was an avid sportsman who enjoyed many years of hunting and recreational fishing. He was a devoted husband and family man. A man of few words, when James spoke it meant something. He had a dry sense of humor, quick wit and propensity for practical jokes.

95 years of life well-lived; of his many accomplishments, James was most proud of the legacy that he leaves behind. In his final stage of life, all time became quality time and to share that with four generations of Greenlaws was his crowning achievement.

Predeceased by his wife Martha and daughter Rhonda Greenlaw Hartley, James is survived by his dear friend and caregiver Nancy Peers; daughter Linda Greenlaw and husband Stephen Wessel of Surry, son Charles Greenlaw and wife Jennifer of Portland, daughter Beth Greenlaw of Cape Elizabeth and forever son-in-law Ben Shissler; grandsons Drew Hartley, Aubrey Greenlaw, Addison Greenlaw and Aiden Greenlaw, grand daughters Mattie Hartley and Sarai Greenlaw Hitchcock; and great granddaughter Charlie Greenlaw. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and grands all of whom he adored.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, where online condolences may be shared: http://www.bragdonkelley.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Northern Light Home

Care & Hospice

441 Main St.

Ellsworth, ME 04605