James "Jim" Olcott Payson

Portland- James Olcott Payson passed away peacefully at Seaside Nursing Home on August 19, 2019 from lung cancer with metastasis. Jim was born in Portland, May 27, 1946 to Richard C Payson, Jr and Pattie Field Payson (Brown).

Jim graduated from Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NH. Most of his life was spent working for marinas in Florida and Maine as well as residential painting. Jim loved following the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots each season. And he had the hats and shirts to prove it. He was also an accomplished darts player with several trophies to prove it.

For several years, Jim shared his apartment with William Bil Harrison, a well-known Portland based artist, who specialized in finely drawn illustrations of local points of interest. He preceded Jim in death by almost 3 years from very similar causes, according to Jim.

Jim enjoyed many evenings at The Eagles Club. And Jim’s last visit would be the last time he was able to leave Seaside.

He is survived by his brother Richard C Payson III, and his wife Janet G Payson of Naples FL., his nephews Geoffrey G Payson and Jennifer LaVin, of Wells ME, Andrew F Payson of Salem MA., his niece Rebecca A. Payson and nephew Marshall B Payson II both of Lakewood CO.

Preceding Jim in death was his brother, Marshall B Payson of Colorado.

The family would like to thank the many nurses and other medical employees who took such good care of Jim in his last weeks of life. One example was two nurses from Mercy Hospital who, on their own time, came over to Seaside just to see how James was doing.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 11:00 am in Pine Grove Cemetery Foreside Road in Falmouth. 

Each of us makes accommodations to live our lives as we wish.  While we might not have followed his, Jim seemed happy with his. Rest in peace Jim. 

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