BANGOR and BREWER – James P. “Palmer” Libby died Dec. 22, 2005, at his home after a long illness. He was born Sept. 22, 1928, in Bangor, the son of Lawrence P. Libby and Beatrice C. Palmer Libby. Palmer was raised primarily by his mother and Grandparents Palmer. He spoke often and fondly of his Grandfather Palmer (Palmer Shoe) and his Grandmother Palmer and her “Scots” background. Palmer graduated from Bangor schools and went to the University of Maine earning a bachelor’s of art in English literature in l950. He went on to receive his masters in education at UMO in l951. He entered the Marine Corps in l951 and served until l953 with the 1st Marine Division, 11th Marine Regiment, Artillery, in Korea where he earned the Korean Service Medal, the U.S. Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He received a second masters in art education from Columbia University. He attended Art Students League in New York City, the Artists School in Scottsdale, Ariz., and studied with well known artist Joseph Sheppard. Palmer was a principal in Orrington for a time, taught art at Garland Street Junior High School in Bangor and taught art at Bangor High School where he also served as the head of the art department. A successful artist, Palmer’s paintings and portraits can be found in the Bangor Public Library, the Isaac Farrar Mansion and in many public and private places in Bangor and beyond. He held several exhibits of his work at the Bangor Public Library and gave private lessons from his home. After his retirement from teaching, in his later years, Palmer taught art education at Shaw House in Bangor. His special life long passion and interest was helping at-risk and homeless young people. He loved teaching art and interacting with the young people at Shaw House. Palmer also had a life long interest in Native American culture and had a long and close association with many of the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island. He found strength, grace and beauty in the faces of the Penobscot and painted many wonderful portraits of tribe members. Palmer recently converted to Catholicism which spoke to his soul. He experienced great peace and contentment in the church and made many friends there. He was an active member of the choir and sang at both St. Teresa’s and St. Joseph’s Catholic churches in Brewer. He previously sang in the choir of the Hammond Street Congregational Church for many years. A great fan and participant in the arts, Palmer acted in Bangor Community Theatre as well as doing costuming and makeup. He performed for several years in the Robinson Ballet where he made Drosselmeyer in the Nutcracker Ballet his own. He attended many cultural activities over the years and went to New York often to go to the ballet, theatre and art exhibits. Palmer also traveled extensively in Europe, going to the most famous art museums. He was particularly fond of the old masters and studied their techniques. Some of his most treasured hours were spent at St. Stephen Priory Spiritual Life Center in Dover, Mass., where he spent his time in discussion, contemplation and prayer. He made many friends there both secular and religious and greatly looked forward to going to retreats there. Palmer is survived by a half brother, Edwin Libby of Manchester; two nieces, Laura A. Libby and Suzanne M. Libby; and a nephew, Matthew E. Libby; also by special friends, Melanie and Brian Woodward, Rick and Sally Tardiff, Pat Sirois, all of Bangor; and Chad Richens of New York. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 26, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, 425 South Main St., Brewer, with the Rev. Joel Cyr, pastor, celebrant. There will be a second Memorial Mass celebrated prior to the opening of Palmer’s art show in the spring, with a reception and celebration of Palmer’s life and work. Gifts in his memory may be donated to an educational fund at the Shaw House, 136 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401. A service of Brookings-Smith, Bangor.
JAMES P. ‘PALMER’ LIBBY
