NEW PORTLAND — James Fletcher Morley “Jim” Brashears, 74, of New Portland, formerly of Newton, Mass., died Friday, July 1, at his home.

He was born May 6, 1937, in Lakeport, Calif., a son of James Paul and Paradine (Coots) Brashears. He attended schools in California and Arkansas and later enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War.

He was a journeyman painter and master welder throughout his working career. He worked at BLH Electronics in Massachusetts, having welded components on various aircrafts including the space shuttle.

In 2002, he moved to New Portland from Newton, Mass., and built a home on a piece of property he had owned since 1994. On Sept. 24, 2005, he married Donna Dugas.

Jim raised four children in Massachusetts, and was very involved in their youth sports coaching Pop Warner football and baseball for many years in Newton and was also involved with some of grandchildren’s youth sports as well.

Jim will be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit and for always having a kind word. He enjoyed fishing, trips to Foxwoods and Hollywood Slots, going for rides, camping, hummingbirds and especially the company of his family for various activities.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Brashears of New Portland; four children, Cheryl Brashears-Malone and her husband, John, of East Wilton, Christine Brashears of Newton, Mass., James “Jimmy” Brashears and his wife, Angela, of Glendora, Calif., and Dr. Michael Brashears of Holland, Mich.; siblings, Darrel Moore and his wife, Winona, of Ceres, Calif., Carl Brashears and his wife, Connie, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Robert (Bob) Brashears and his wife, Wanda, of Pahrump, Nev.; 12 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Camille; siblings, Ray, Gary, Herschel and Jeweldean Brashears; and a daughter-in-law, Aimee Brashears.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with Jim’s family at www.wilesrc.com.