PORTLAND — James “Jim” Kenneth Harder, 80, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center, Sunday, Oct. 30, surrounded by his adoring family.

Jim was born Aug. 2, 1931, in Pontiac, Ill. He was the third child born to Roy and Ellen Harder. Jim was married to Jacqueline A Currie in June 1953, at the home of her parents in Auburn.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1955, after serving his country for four years.

He was a 1960 graduate of the University of Maine receiving a bachelor of science degree in business administration.

He was employed at Auburn Motor Sales, which eventually became Fordland for nearly 30 years. He then owned Rockland Ford/Lincoln Mercury for eight years before retiring from the automotive industry. Jim continued to work through his retirement years most recently working for Mardens in Scarborough.

While Jim and Jackie were raising their family in Auburn, Jim enjoyed golfing as often as possible as a member of Fairlawn Country Club. He later was a member of the Samoset Golf Club.

In his later years, Jim enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. The family recently celebrated his 80th birthday with a family party.

Jim was a Christian man with a strong love of God and family. He had an amazing work ethic and a wonderful sense of humor. His youngest granddaughter recently said of her grandfather, “Bampy was always smiling.”

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jacqueline of Old Orchard Beach; sons, Barry and his wife, Okson, of Scarborough, Kyle from Turner and Darren of Old Orchard Beach; daughters Meryl Madden and her husband, Tim, of Saco and Melise Frey and her husband, Jim, of Freeport; Jim had nine grandchildren who he loved dearly.

Jim was predeceased by his brothers, Gene and Richard Harder; and his sister, Virginia.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.