James Lilly

Winter Harbor–James Wade Lilly, 90, of Winter Harbor, Maine, passed away peacefully August 30, 2025, in Ellsworth, Maine, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 12, 1935, in Odd, West Virginia, to the late Mary Lucille and James E. Lilly.

James was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Lucille (Gerrish) Lilly; his mother and father-in-law, Alta and Earl Gerrish; brother-in-law Richard E. Gerrish; and sister-in-law Brenda Lilly.

He is survived by his daughters Cathy Carruthers of Winter Harbor, ME, Susan Campbell and husband Wayne of Poquoson, VA; granddaughter Laura Mahon and husband Bobby; great-granddaughters Madison and Mackenzie Mahon of Woodbridge, VA. He is also survived by his brothers Arnold Lilly and wife Shirley of Halifax, VA, and Larry Lilly of Omaha, NE; his sister-in-law Lesli Gerrish of Holden, ME; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who loved him dearly.

James married the love of his life, Barbara, on November 24, 1955, in Winter Harbor, ME. Together they shared 60 wonderful years filled with devotion, service, and community, living in both Virginia and Maine before making Winter Harbor their final home.

He graduated from Stoco High School in Coal City, WV, in 1952, earned a bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA, and a master’s degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1975 as a Senior Master Sergeant after 20 years of service, including two tours in Korea.

Dedicated to fellowship and service, James was a 62-year member and Past Master of Army and Navy Lodge #306, Hampton, VA, and received his Scottish Rite degrees in May 1965. He was also a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a member of the American Legion. Deeply active in civic life, he served as Secretary of the Bangor Rotary Club for 17 years, where he was twice honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award (1999 and 2009). He also volunteered for years at Eastern Maine Medical Center, was President of the Winter Harbor Cemetery Association, a life member of the Winter Harbor Historical Society, and gave over 30 years of service to the annual Winter Harbor Lobster Festival.

Passionate about helping others, James dedicated his second career to the field of mental health. He earned his LCPC and maintained a private counseling practice until his retirement in 2015.

James was a lifelong sports fan, following the Atlanta Braves, Washington Redskins/Commanders and of course, West Virginia University. James will be remembered for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy of service and love will live on in the many lives he touched.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Greenwood Cemetery in Winter Harbor, ME.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winter Harbor Historical Society, PO Box 93, Winter Harbor, ME 04693 in his memory.