One of the Maine Warden Service boats returns to shore to pick up supplies for divers on First Buttermilk Pond in Bowerbank, Sunday afternoon. The wardens were searching for Robert Pomeroy who was one of four friends from the Dover-Foxcroft area whose boat capsized Saturday shortly after 4 p.m. Only two of them were able to get to shore. Kevin Stitham (not pictured) and David Perkins (far right) survived and both returned to the pond to assist the search. The body of James Brown was recovered Sunday, but the Warden Service suspended the search for Pomeroy in late afternoon. Buy Photo
BOWERBANK, Maine — Word spread quickly this past weekend when four well-known men, lifelong friends, were thrown from a boat into the cold water of a local pond, and two did not make it to shore.
The body of veteran Foxcroft Academy English teacher James “Jim” Brown was recovered from First Buttermilk Pond on Sunday afternoon after the small boat he was traveling in the day before with his friends took on water and overturned.
The search continues for Robert Pomeroy, owner of Rowell’s Garage, who went into the cold water when the boat flipped. It’s believed that he and Brown both drowned.
Two other men, Kevin Stitham, 56, a 13th District Court judge, and David Perkins, 50, a local businessman, were able to make it to the banks of the pond after the boat sank at around 4:15 p.m. Saturday, but Brown, 57, and Pomeroy, 56, never made it to shore.
“There is no doubt that this is going to have a huge emotional impact on the Dover-Foxcroft community,” Lt. Pat Dorian of the Maine Warden Service, said by phone on Sunday. “They were all well-known and well-liked people.”
The four are lifelong friends from Dover-Foxcroft who were staying at the Stitham family hunting camp, located on the northern side of the pond.
“They decided to go across the pond to visit friends,” he said.
Their vessel, a 12-foot V-hull Duratech, began taking on water soon after leaving the camp. Stitham noticed the water and told Pomeroy, who reportedly was steering the boat, to head to shore, Dorian said, but, “within a matter of seconds, the boat capsized,” throwing all four into the water, which had a temperature in the low-50s.
Perkins stayed with the overturned boat and the others took lifejackets and attempted to swim to shore. It’s believed that only Stitham made it.
“He crawled up the shore,” Dorian said. Then “headed in the direction of a camp where he knew they had a boat.”
He found a rowboat and returned to the scene and found Perkins. The two, both suffering from hypothermia, searched the area for their friends, yelling their names, to no avail.
“They were both very hypothermic,” Dorian said. “They went back to the camp, changed clothes, and went back out looking for their friends.” After a while of searching, “they went to one of the vehicles, and drove out to where they could get cell phone service.”
The Piscataquis County Sheriff's Department got the call at 8:20 p.m. and dispatched a half-dozen game wardens to the area. In the dark, search dogs hunted the edge of the water for signs of the two missing men.
By morning, 15 game wardens, a Maine State Police trooper, Piscataquis sheriff deputies and a fixed-wing plane were scouring the waters and the shoreline, along with members of the Bowerbank and Milo fire departments. Seven divers were in the water.
The men were at the camp hunting, Dorian said, adding that he believes the boat may have been carrying too much weight.
“With four large adult males I would consider it to be overloaded,” he said. “We don’t know why it began taking on water, but obviously there was something wrong. That’s a lot of weight for a 12-foot boat.”
The decision not to wear life vests and the chilly temperatures hindered the men once they got into the water, Dorian said.
“A person has extreme difficulty lasting any length of time in that temperature water,” he said.
Brown was head of the English Department at Foxcroft Academy, where he taught for 34 years, and he was involved with the Thompson Free Library and the town’s historic society, retired teacher David Lockwood said Sunday. He also was a husband, father of two and a grandfather.
He was “a good man,” Lockwood said. “He was very active in affairs” of the town and school.
Lockwood said he got to know Brown and Stitham as a first-year teacher.
“When I first came to Dover I had them in eighth grade,” he said. “It was my first class. Stitham and James Brown were in the same class, and graduated from Foxcroft Academy together.”
He added, “The family is lovely. They’re just beautiful people. I feel particularly sad for [his wife] Barbara. It will be a great loss for her … and the community.”
Visiting the hunting camp was a regular activity for the four friends.
“I can tell you, they went there on a regular basis,” Lockwood said. “They would go fishing and camping and spend time there just on the weekends.”
School has not been canceled, but councilors will be on hand for students and teachers who are grieving, Ray Webb, head of the school, said.
“We’re going to try and have some sense of normalcy” for the students, he said. “He’s been the English Department chair for longer than anyone can remember. There is probably not a more beloved person on the faculty.”
Webb described Brown as a local boy who graduated from the high school in 1970, went away to college at the University of Maine and returned to town to teach and raise his family.
“It’s really a tragedy for a small town like this,” he said.
Pomeroy served for years on the Hospital Administrative District 4 board of directors, and took over ownership of the garage when his father-in-law died.
“All four of these men are well-known members of the Dover-Foxcroft community,” Dorian said. “It’s very unfortunate.”
On 11/10/08 at 6:14 AM,
thekingofmaine wrote:
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sad. great teacher.
On 11/10/08 at 6:49 AM,
OPeggita62 wrote:
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I had Mr. Brown for an English Teacher in my senior year and I am very deeply saddened to hear of his death. He was a wonderful man and teacher and I know that he will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all the students and teachers who saw him everyday in the hall or in the classroom. I have a little poem that I like to use when someone I know dies. It is called Remember Me and it goes like this: Remember me with laughter as that is how I will remember you all if you can only remember with tears than don't remember me at all.
On 11/10/08 at 6:57 AM,
downbeat wrote:
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A similar drowing took place last year on the same weekend in Aroostook county. No life jackets on, very cold water and heavy clothes spell trouble. Hyperthermia is a killer and people need to be aware before they are on the water in the late fall..
On 11/10/08 at 6:59 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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Wow, this is so sad, but there is no mention of whether or not alcohol was involved, that is a usual statement from BDN on these types of stories. I wonder if they had been drinking and if not, why it's not stated.
On 11/10/08 at 7:14 AM,
franseamans3 wrote:
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Cherry, you must be very young to have even brought up such a moot point. This is not to say that all young people are insensitive, only that life experience teaches many lessons. What does it matter if there was alcohol involved? These families have lost loved ones.Their grief is for the loss, not the circumstances. Many years ago my Dad drowned in Rockwood. The issue of alcohol was brought out in the newspapers and it only deepened the sorrow to think that others would assume that that was important at that point.
On 11/10/08 at 7:19 AM,
mekthanson wrote:
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I had Mr. Brown in School and grew up with one of his sons. He was a wonderful man and teacher and knew everyone and no matter the day greeted you with a hello and your name. You could count on that smile! He will be greatly missed and remembered by MANY. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of this tragedy.
On 11/10/08 at 7:30 AM,
JustinDubois wrote:
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Words can't express how I feel right now. I'm not from Dover-Foxcroft and knew none of the men involved however I know how they feel and my prayers will go out to the family and friends. I was with my father in-law Norman "Bim" Ouellette this very weekend last year when the boat did exactly the same thing when we were at hunting camp. We were four men in a 12ft boot that has made the trek across the same pond time after time and absolutley nothing even remotely close has happened. You just can't explain why things like this happen to great people at a young age. This has been a long year for us and when I heard of the story it gave me erie goosebumps. Please as posters on an internet site don't post unnecessary comments like was alcohol involved or why were they not wearing lifejackets. The accident is over, it can't be changed and questions like that don't need to be seen by grieving family or friends especially by those involved. It's hard enough for a family to deal with an unexpected death, if anything just keep people in your thoughts and prayers, I know I am.
On 11/10/08 at 8:07 AM,
whitnmeme wrote:
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My heart goes out to all of these men's family. May God hold you close in his arms in your time of sorrow.
Justin, your post was most heart felt. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
On 11/10/08 at 8:27 AM,
kal778 wrote:
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It is a sad thing for these men and their families. If anything let's hope that after reading this story that people will realize just how fragile life is. They can't undo what happened--although I am sure if they could they would. Maybe the story will save lives and make people think twice about not wearing life jackets.
On 11/10/08 at 8:47 AM,
Bangorean wrote:
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Unfortunately, the alcohol comment has ALWAYS been an issue with me. ANY accident, boating, automobile, snowmobile etc., the TV and newspaper ALWAYS end with "alcohol was/was not considered a factor" whehter it's relevant or not. It's disgusting, but here, for obvious reasons (D.Ct. Judge) it is rather suspiciously absent. Pray for the families.
On 11/10/08 at 8:52 AM,
melissa68 wrote:
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Mr. Brown touched many lives as an English teacher at Foxcoft Academy, including my own! He was a great teacher, the kind of teacher that worked very hard at making a difference in the lives of his students. I am proud and very thankful to have had to opportunity to be his student. He will be dearly remembered and sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers to his family and to the many students he has touched over his years of service.
On 11/10/08 at 9:47 AM,
skipperskitchen wrote:
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OPeggita62, Your poem has so much truth and meaning. Quote~~"Remember me with laughter; As that is how I will remember you. If you can only remember with tears; Than don't remember me at all."
On 11/10/08 at 10:10 AM,
downfleeced wrote:
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so tragic...you see it year after year...people not wearing PFDs that were available with horrible/predictable results. I used to play the same game and having a kid has wised me up to playing tough guy...now if I'm the only one wearing a lifejacket in a group that's OK with me because it increases my chance of making it home at the end of the day.
On 11/10/08 at 10:18 AM,
emtmike wrote:
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This is tragic. These men are fathers, brothers and friends. I am sure the deaths of these men will leave a hole in there community. Having said that, I believe the media should not only be held responsible for reporting the entire story as well as being consistent in there reporting. You can bet if this was four 19 year old boys weather or not alcohol was involved would have been reported. Without a doubt the question was asked.
On 11/10/08 at 10:37 AM,
mrsmap wrote:
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I must say to all of the insensitive posters who have obviously have never been touched by such tragedy...if you read alcohol was involved or that the life jackets would have saved their live, would you say "you dumb***" shouldn't have drank, or should have worn your life vests....no, anyone with half a heart would only be thinking about the tragedy the families and community are experiencing, not the newsworthiness and the how the reporters are doing their jobs.......ignorant people are so frustrating
On 11/10/08 at 10:50 AM,
leatherglove wrote:
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Cherish every moment, because sometimes the chances for more end far too early. My thoughts and prayers to all the families involved and to the community of "DFCity" whose collective hearts broke this past weekend.
On 11/10/08 at 11:02 AM,
pseym4 wrote:
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I can tell you why alcohol wasn't mentioned. One of these guys is a 13th district court judge and the three others are well known people in the community! That's why there is no mention of booze.
On 11/10/08 at 11:03 AM,
Cherry wrote:
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Thank you Bangorean, that's the only point I was trying to make. I am not young, I am older than the men that died. I just wonder why the reference to alcohol was left out as it is included in most every other story like this. We already know the boat was overloaded and they didn't have their vests on, I wonder if alcohol affected their judgement, that's all.
On 11/10/08 at 11:08 AM,
MrUneke54 wrote:
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Mr Brown and Mr Pomeroy were wonderful men True leaders and pillars of their community. Four of the most prominent and influential men of the region... It's a sad sad day. God bless them. God bless their families and friends.
On 11/10/08 at 11:14 AM,
BeckiefromDFmaine wrote:
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James Brown was one of the nicest people I have ever known in my life. I used to sit and talk to Jim on many occasions when things were rough at home. He would always make time to talk if I needed someone to talk to, as I'm sure he did for other students that shared my trust in him. He was a GREAT teacher, always willing to help a student to understand the classwork or to give extra time if possible. I might not have always had good grades in his class, but I always enjoyed that class period. I feel very blessed to have been one of his students. I will always remember seeing he and Barb walking around town, or doing different tasks outside his home; whether it be mowing the lawn or raking leaves. If you were to see him out and about he would always stop and chat with you and ask how things were going in your life, (I'm not sure how he kept us all straight, but he always did). It never was because he was making simple conversation, it was because he TRULY cared about each of us even after we left the school. Jim will forever be remembered as a favorite teacher and a wonderful person to many. I'm at a loss, which I'm sure a lot of people are, considering how many lives he has touched. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. I did not personally know the other man, Bob Pomeroy; but I do know that he had a family just like everyone else and impacted many lives too, I'm sure. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time also.
On 11/10/08 at 11:24 AM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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You guys do know what happens when you ASSUME!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 11/10/08 at 11:33 AM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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There also could be another reason it wasn't mentioned. Like it's none of our business? Just food for thought.
On 11/10/08 at 12:42 PM,
emtmike wrote:
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Your right. None of it is our business……BUT…..BDN needs to sell papers and they know how to do it. It’s a tragic thing that happened. All I am saying is BDN needs to be contestant in what they report. I remember a few years ago a young man drowned in a pond close to here. The Bangor Daily News was very quick to point out that alcohol was involved.When a car crash kills someone that nobody knows and alcohol was involved it gets reported quick. SteveyDee some “food for thought” for you, unless your name is in the article or the story directly effects you, the whole paper would be none of our business.
On 11/10/08 at 12:47 PM,
SteveyDee wrote:
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The problem with people is that they are too damn nosey. People always like to gossip, ASSUME the worst because they have nothing better to do with there time.
On 11/10/08 at 12:51 PM,
japingree wrote:
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My heart goes out to the families effected by this unfortunate accident - Many people could call him Jim Brown, James Brown, I for one always called him - Mr. Brown - even though I had him for a teacher and softball coach more than 25+ years ago. Mr. Brown was a man who did not require respect but he earned the respect of many in the community by his actions and deeds through out his life in Dover-Foxcroft. We should all look to his memory for the example Mr. Brown set by his supportive and caring ways to his family, friends, students and anyone he came in contact with during his life. The loss of Mr. Brown and Mr. Pomeroy will undoubtedly leave an impact on the community forever. This unfortunate loss of both Mr. Brown and Mr. Pomeroy should make people focus on the important things in life. I deeply saddened by those that seek details, as the details are not important. What is important is the impact this tragedy has on those involved in the accident and those that are directly affected by the loss of these two men. May God provide comfort to Kevin Stitham, David Perkins, the family of Mr. Brown, the family of Mr. Pomeroy and community during this difficult time.
On 11/10/08 at 1:12 PM,
JustinDubois wrote:
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I will make this last comment in regards to some of the post. I have been through this a year ago and know first hand of how the comments can really affect the way a person feels. These men have been through a traumatising moment and it will live with them for a long time. Unfortunatley nothing can be done to bring back the two men that were lost this weekend. This was an accident, the men involved did everything they could to save the other two guys. Knowing if there was alcohol, lifevest, or anything else that could have prevented this accident is worthless information. Why don't you all take some time and think about what to write if they were wearing lifejackets and completely sober, like great things about the people or that your thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends. Words can really affect the way a person relives each moment. Though the drowning of my father in-law was a year ago tomorrow I remember everything that happened so vividly. The men involved will think about what they could have done differently or changed to make the outcome different. The reality is that it has happened, it's done, and lives of so many are now different because they are gone. Tomorrrow would have been hard for our family to begin with, this tragedy has just brought back so many bad memories. I hate to see the poor people involved, family and friends be affected. It seems like they were great men, carry on their legacy, and don't forget that news is great and keeps people informed, what's in the news and comments that are made are read by more people than you think. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.
On 11/10/08 at 1:15 PM,
Cherry wrote:
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Most everything is none of our business, but it's news, and yes, nosey people read the news. One could also say caring people read the news. It is legitimate to ask if alcohol was involved. Regardless of the age of the passengers or their standing in the community. I think if they were a group of young adults, alcohol would have been mentioned. Posing this question isn't meant to disrespect anyone, isn't gossip and doesn't take a bit away from how tragic this is. It may, however, answer the question of why these men would go in this boat, overloaded with no jackets on. This all could have happened with completely sober people, but it's not a crazy question to pose, no matter little objectivity one has.
On 11/10/08 at 1:28 PM,
mariahstorm wrote:
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The boat capsized around 4:00 pm and local authorities were not called until 8:20 pm??? 4 men who regularly camped together didn't know that they would not be safe in that boat??? Sounds like another Cheney turkey shoot to me!!! Only the Judge survived and the operator of the boat????
hmmmm makes me wonder.
On 11/10/08 at 1:38 PM,
leatherglove wrote:
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mariahstorm: I was going to respond to you with some nasty remarks. But instead I choose to be better than that. When something tragic like this happens to you or someone you know, may the people around you have more respect then you just showed.
On 11/10/08 at 2:09 PM,
stephd38 wrote:
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I had Mr Brown for English my senior year. I was very shocked & sad to hear of his death. Mr Brown was one of favorite teachers. He was the type of teacher that would speak to you no matter who you were or where he saw you. I know that he will be deeply missed by all. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
On 11/10/08 at 2:35 PM,
thekingofmaine wrote:
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Mr. Brown was my junior and senior college prep english teacher. i got to know him through a bunch of talks, and he was always kind to me despite my past and some other issues in school. After taking a year off out of high school he was willing to write me a recomendation to get me into college, and two days ago after I applied at another college I thought about asking him to write me another one. I feel bad about leaving that, but this was the type of guy that whenever he saw me in school and now and then afterwards he would always at the very least say "hello".
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