NORWAY — James Eugene DeShon Sr., 79, of Oxford, died Saturday, April 20.

He was born Sept. 21 1933, the son of Rita and Stanley DeShon. On Dec. 31, 1952, he married Geraldine Pierce. He was a mason by trade, contributing to many of the buildings in the area.

For many years, he and his wife cared for foster children and ran a day care. They also owned and operated Trap Corner Store in West Paris and The Mole Hole Knoll in Oxford. In 2000, he and his wife moved from Oxford to Ryerson Hill in South Paris and wintered in Ocala, Fla. In 2010, they moved to Oxford Meadows in Oxford.

James is survived by his wife; one son, James DeShon Jr. and his wife, Debby, of South Paris; three daughters, Darlene Bean and her husband, Brian, of South Paris, Pamela Payne and her husband, Randy, of Oxford and Bethany Card and her husband, Richard, of Oxford; nine grandchildren, Shannon Avery and her husband, Scott, of Casco, Kacie Hussey and her partner, Tobin Maldovan, of Pittston, Alan DeShon and his partner, Kelly Walker, of Norway, Jennifer Wilkins and her husband, Eddie, of Dolthan, Ala., Manda Payne and her partner, J.J. Tracy, of Buckfield, Rodney Payne of Oxford, Miranda Payne of Oxford, R.J. Card of Oxford and Aaron Card of Oxford; seven great-grandchildren, Joslyn DeShon of Norway, Kassidy Delano of Norway and Finn Patrick Maldovan of Pittston, Tyler Avery of Casco, Payson Avery of Casco, Elizabeth Wilkins of Dolthan, Ala., and Cooper Wilkins of Dolthan, Ala.; a brother-in-law, Willis Whittemore; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Charles DeShon; and two sisters, Marilyn Osborne and Yvonne Whittemore.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.