JAMES EDWARD PENNEY

BREWER and BANGOR – James Edward Penney, 70, beloved hus-band of Ruth H. Penney, went to be with his Lord after a courageous battle against heart disease. James was born Sept. 20, 1933, in Bangor, the son of the late Roland O. and Vida (Martin) Penney Sr. He attended Brewer Schools, graduating from Brewer High School, Class of 1951. Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1956, during the Korean War spending most of his time stationed aboard the USS Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh participated in the evacuation of the Tachen Islands in 1955. He returned to Brewer in 1956, where he entered Husson College graduating in 1960, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Jim was a member of the Columbia Street Baptist Church of Bangor serving as Deacon, church vice-President, Sunday school teacher, and youth group leader. He was a charter member of the Brewer Lions Club. James was a lifetime member of the Brewer Historical Society. He was employed by Fred W. Hassen and Son real estate and insurance agency from 1956 to 1983, and was part owner, President and Treasurer. Jim was a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Maine and the Professional Insurance Agents of America. In 1979, he was awarded the Professional Designation of “Certified Insurance Counselor”. He received many insurance awards and was a member of the Life Insurance Company of North America’s Leaders Club. From May of 1983, until his retirement in 1996, he was employed as an insurance agent for Sargent, Tyler and West of Brewer. Jim was a former member of the Penobscot Valley Country Club. Surviving are his wife, Ruth Penney of Brewer; one daughter, Trena Marie Penney of Portland; three sisters and their husbands, Lois and Raeburn Cameron of Moultonboro, N.H., Marion and David Garland of Bangor, Gloria and Jerry Ramp of Bangor; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Roland O. Penney Jr. in 1983. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Peter Sprague, pastor of the Columbia Street Baptist Church, officiating. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service. Spring interment will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer. Relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the Brookings-Smith Family Center, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately following the service.