James William Burnham died peacefully on February 23 after a brief illness. He was 82. Jim was a lifelong resident of Gorham, graduating from Gorham High School in 1962. Active in the community, Jim was a member of the Gorham Lions Club for over 50 years, a group that his father Laurel was a founding member of. Jim belonged to and was a past master Presumpscot Lodge # 70 and was a Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Portland. Jim was regularly active in the Scottish Rite and was given an Honorary 33rd Degree in 2005. He was also a lifetime member of Kora Shrine, recently receiving his 50-year certificate.

Jim enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed time during the winter snowmobiling. His professional career included two jobs working in the office equipment industry at Lopez and Church and later at the Magee Company. Throughout his career he made many friends and colleagues with his friendly demeanor and jokes.

Jim was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy Burnham. Jim is survived by his sister, Joanne Edwards and his brother-in-Law Ronald Edwards along with several nieces and nephews. There will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals 279 River Road Windham, Maine 04062.