OTISFIELD — James Whitney Hall, 83, of Otisfield, died after a period of declining health on Thursday, May 14, 2015.

He was born in Westbrook on Oct. 31, 1931, the only child of Dr. Earl Stanley Hall and Margaret (nee Whitney) Hall. Jim attended Westbrook schools and graduated from Westbrook High School in 1950, in a class of interesting and amazing people, who remain friends to this day. Jim then attended the University of Maine at Orono from 1950-1954, leaving to enter the U.S. Army, where he served in Germany 1954-1956.  Upon his discharge, he finished his education at the University of Southern Maine, where he received his degree in Education. Jim taught for a year or two, but decided he was not really suited to teaching in a formal setting. Thankfully, he kept his love of learning and teaching and continued to share his wisdom and love of the outdoors and all of nature with anyone who cared to listen. The remainder of his working life was spent at Saunders Bros. in Westbrook, where he worked in many capacities until his retirement in 1992 from the H.A. Stiles subsidiary.

One of the great loves of Jim’s life was the family property on Sebago Lake, where he spent every summer (minus the Army years) of his life. In 1991, Jim made the decision to sell his beloved Tasseltop to the state for far less money than a developer offered, because he wanted everyone to be able to enjoy it as he had. At that time, Jim moved to Windham with his new bride, Judy, and later to Otisfield, where he continued to entertain family, friends, and pretty much anyone who showed up with his stories and antics. If you were fortunate enough to have known Jim, there is no doubt you can tell a funny story about him.

Jim was active in the Maine Mycological Association, was an amateur beekeeper, and spent many hours in his workshop where he found great enjoyment in wood turning and carving.

Besides Judy, his wife of 23 years, the other loves of his life were his daughters and their families — Christy Hewitt, Caitlen of Yarmouth and Jayne Dunnells of Standish. He also leaves a vast array of good friends and lots of stories and memories.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. at the Spurrs Corner Church in Otisfield.  Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home in Casco.

Donations in Jim’s honor may be made to: Spurrs Corner Church, 1005 State Route 121, Otisfield, ME 04270 or to Salvation Army, Oxford, ME Service Unit, P.O. Box 196, Lewiston, ME 04243.