James R. Saunders

BOOTHBAY HARBOR – James R. Saunders, 96, of Boothbay Harbor, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2024, at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor. James was born in Staten Island, N.Y. on Dec. 9, 1927, to parents Edmund Saunders and Amy (Merrick) Kuhn.

Shortly after his birth, James and his family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, his true hometown. He grew up there and graduated from a local high school. James then went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, and eventually received his Master’s degree.

After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, James worked for Formica as a chemical engineer. Throughout his life, he carried his engineering skills and his sense of humor through many workplaces eventually retiring from his position as President of the Lewiston Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

James met Diane (Dorr) Campbell at the neighborhood mail box in Sun City Hilton Head, S.C. They married and were together for 19 years.

In his free time, James enjoyed playing 6-wicket croquet and played golf on many courses in Maine and Hilton Head, SC. He was proud of his woodworking tools and his vegetable gardens. He especially enjoyed hosting events at his lake house in Windham, Maine. With his wife, Lora, he established an education fund for pharmacists at Northeastern University in his sons’ names.

Jim has been an ardent supporter of community activities all his life from Eagle Scout Days to the present. During his years in the Lewiston/Auburn area while employed as the Director of the Lewiston/Auburn Chamber of Commerce, he actively served on many Boards including the Androscoggin Bank, CMGH, and Bates Manufacturing. He served as Chairman of the United Way Campaign in 1977-78. He was a consultant for a state committee helping small business cope with problems. He especially enjoyed his participation in the Shrine and Kora Temple and received a Paul Harris Fellow award with the Rotary Club. After moving to South Carolina in 2003, he continued being active in the Community by joining the Hilton Head Rotary Club, volunteering once a week at the Hilton Head Hospital in the Post Op section and, with a men’s group, picking up trash along the highway on Saturday mornings.

At the age of 88 and having moved to Sun City Center, Fla., he continued to find ways to help the community. The Security Patrol kept volunteer drivers combing the streets and he was one of those. HIs Presbytarian Church worked with the Meals On Wheels Program for the month of September. Jim was in charge or organizing and watching over the distribution of 40 meals each day of the month.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Amy Kuhn and Edmund Saunders; his first wife of 44 years Lora Saunders; sons John and David Saunders; brothers Harold and Jon Saunders; nephew Ken Saunders and stepdaughter Kathy Campbell Reed.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Diane Saunders; stepson Bill Campbell (Kelly); daughter-in-law Louise Wood (Edwin); grandchildren Sara Saunders Lineberger and Bradley Saunders, Cathleen and Shelby Shafer; nieces Susan Eagle, Pam Btten and Peggy Thiel; stepgrandchildren Kimberly Reed Nutt (Jasper), Rosaline , Robert, Grace, and Kate Campbell.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11 a.m., reception following.

Halls of Boothbay has care of the arrangements. To offer online condolences, or to share a story or photo, visit James’s Book of Memories at http://www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s memory may be made to: St. Andrews Village

Contribution Fund

(attn business office)

145 Emery Lane

Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538