1948 – 2013

LEWISTON — James “Jim” Levi Bartash, 65, of Beedy Brook Lane in Dixfield, died Monday, Dec. 2, at Central Maine Medical Center.

He was born in Rumford on June 7, 1948, the first of six children to Levi James and Mary (Valonis) Bartash, and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, Class of 1966.

The day after he graduated from high school, Jim went to work at the Oxford Paper Co. His career spanned 44 years; he retired in June 2010 from the maintenance department at NewPage Paper Co., looking forward to days of fishing in the sun and riding his motorcycle.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and especially loved hunting, fishing and four-wheeling. His days hunting and fishing in Rangeley and Kennebago were his happiest. He also enjoyed many adventures on his motorcycle and often had a great tale to tell about them. He belonged to the River Valley Riders ATV Club.

In 1969, he married Sue Donahue of Dixfield. Jim and Sue raised two children, Shannon and Catherine. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and all their accomplishments. His grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Grumpy,” were his pride and joy. Jim spent many hours guiding his grandson, Brian, to his Eagle Scout rank in 2012.

Jim and Sue were married for 44 years and they lived 42 of those years in Dixfield. He always had a warm smile on his face and a joke to make you laugh. He would spend hours playing cribbage with friends or watching the wildlife from the porch.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Sue (Donahue) Bartash, of Dixfield; mother, Mary Bartash, of Rumford; two daughters, Shannon Pooler and her husband, Eric, of Buxton and Cathy of Somerville, Mass.; three grandchildren, Brian Murray and Emily and Kaitlyn Pooler, all of Buxton; brother, Robert Bartash and his wife, Marta, of Lincoln; and many nieces, nephews and extended family, as well as special friends.

Jim was predeceased by his father, Levi; brothers, Stanley and David; and sisters, Anne and Mary.

The next time you are outside enjoying nature, think of Jim and smile.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories online at www.meaderandson.com.

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