LEWISTON – James A. Lutz, 81, a resident Browns Crossing, Danville died unexpectedly Sunday, March 8, at Central Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Boyertown, Pa., Aug. 26, 1927, the son of William and Elise (Craig) Lutz. He attended Boyertown, Pa., schools, and at the young age of 17 joined the U.S. Navy which became his life’s career retiring as a chief petty officer in 1965.

He served during World War II, as well as the during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. After military retirement, he moved to Danville with his family and worked several years for Pioneer Plastics. He then became Post Master Relief at Danville Post Office until 2005.

He was also served his community as volunteer firefighter in Danville having reached the rank of Captain. He was also a member of Robin Dow Senior Citizens, a recipient of the Armand Marois Memorial Award for community service, as well as a frequent volunteer at Danville Grange suppers, and had still retained his Masonic membership with the Boyertown, Pa., Masonic Lodge.

His enjoyments in life were gardening, the country life, the great outdoors and a good cigar.

Survivors include two sons, William A. Lutz and wife, Clarice Ortiz Lutz, of Auburn and James Williams of Poland; four daughters, Helen Small and husband, Richard, of Poland, Susan Carins and husband, James, of Windham, Mary Lutz of Danville and Rachel Parrott of Omaha, Neb.; one sister, Elise Lutz of Boyertown, Pa.; 16 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, the former Helen Tolman; one daughter, Beverly; one brother, Bill; and two sisters, Emma and Jenny.