James Potter

Windham, ME- James W. Potter passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Gosnell House on April 24, 2024. He was born in Portland, ME on October 4, 1962, as the first-born son to Willis A. Potter and Julie A. Nanos Potter. He was raised and educated in Windham, along with his four siblings and ten cousins growing up on Potterville Road, where the three families were always considered one. His career path led him all over the country. Starting in carpentry building houses at a very young age, to excavation and construction, to constructing new power lines in “God’s Country.” His last job was with Probst Electric out of Utah, which ended in March of 2020, after a lengthy job in Wyoming. He and his long-time companion, Karen, bought their first home and resided in Westbrook until 2005. They returned to Windham, where they enjoyed their house outside of town and have lived there since. After spending 25 years together, Jim and Karen were married on July 4, 2016, with a small ceremony on Spider Island on Little Sebago Lake with best friends Scott and Diane Anderson standing up for them. When talking about accomplishments and achievements, Jim and Karen always agreed that their only son, Willis, was the biggest and best. Jim was so quietly proud of all that Willis had become, while Karen would be the one shouting it from the rooftops! While in good health, Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and ride ATVs and antique snowmobiles. His favorite place to enjoy all of these was in Athens, ME, on the land purchased in 1992 with his Uncle Dennis, cousin David and brother Walt. Over the years, the land was then referred to as Potterville North. Jim also loved spending time at the family camp in Bancroft, or he could be found spending time on the pontoon boat at Little Sebago Lake, all of which he was passionate about. We will all miss him terribly, but the legendary stories (which continued to be embellished over the years), his humor and quick wit will carry us through. He lived large and took great pride in leaving a lasting impression (or mark) with every person he met along the way, never leaving any conversation without having the last word. These cherished memories are endless. He leaves behind his wife and advocate, Karen M. Phillips-Potter, his son, Willis P. Potter, his mother, Julie Potter Whitney, mother-in-law Kathryn Phillips, siblings Wendy Potter, Jamie (Rick) Haley, Walter (Coleen) Potter, and Chris (Amanda) Potter, as well as nieces and nephews Loralee, Mitchell, Christopher, Daniel, Destiny, and Luke. His cousins, whom he had considered siblings, Denise, Darlene, Dale, Debbie, David, Shawn, John, Jamie, Jeff, Eric, Gail, and Wanda. All their children referred to him as Uncle Jim. Special Aunts Lucy Richards and Dorine Strout, among many other family members and many life-long friends that were important to him. He was preceded in death by his father, Willis A. Potter, paternal grandparents Walter and Eva Potter, maternal grandparents Robert and Marjorie Adams, father-in-law Paul Phillips, brother-in-law David Phillips, and many aunts, uncles, and mentors. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 3, 2024. Both will be held at Dolby Blais Segee Windham Chapel, followed by a burial in Arlington Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Walter Potter, President of the AVR (Athens Valley Riders) ATV Club, 30 Potters Lane, Athens, ME 04912. An ATV trail will be dedicated in honor of Jim’s memory.

James Potter

October 4, 1962 - April 24, 2024

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