ORONO – Jay Calkins, 85, passed away Oct. 20, 2009, after an extended cancer. He had been a resident of Dirigo Pines for five years. Jay was born April 20, 1924, in Lubec, the first child of A. Raymond and S. Evelyn (Davis) Calkins. After growing up and graduating from Lubec High, he entered the University of Maine in an accelerated program in the spring of 1942. In November 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he trained in aviation cadets and graduated as a pilot in 1944. He completed 35 combat missions in the B-24. Of the original crew of 10 men, only four returned home. Jay returned as a veteran to the University of Maine in the fall of 1945. He was very proud to have served his country and to become a “weekend warrior.” In 1948, he joined the 132nd Fighter Squadron of Maine Air National Guard as a pilot of multi-engine planes. Again Uncle Sam called and he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. Continuing flying status, he trained and served as an aircraft maintenance officer at several bases, moving his family nine times in three years. He trained as an academic instructor and was assigned as an assistant professor in AFROTC at the University of Illinois. He remained with the Maniacs until 1968 as a pilot, maintenance officer, squadron commander and later director of materiel, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. When he returned to the University of Maine in 1945, he met and married his lifetime companion, Elizabeth “Betty” Brown. Graduating in mechanical engineering in 1948, he taught at the University of Maine, while completing a master’s degree in administration and guidance. Jay made an impact as an educator, principal and guidance counselor in Maine at Penobscot, Castine, returning to the University of Maine, Stonington, Bingham, Bangor and finally in Bradenton, Fla. He always enjoyed helping young people. With four generations of Maine forefathers, he had a great love for Maine – as an avid sportsman, Maine guide, going camping, canoeing, hunting, fishing and scuba diving – he enjoyed it all. Moving to Florida in 1969, Betty and Jay continued to enjoy the beauty of the South, canoeing, boating and houseboating in the waterways. He also was a long time genealogist doing extensive research in Maine, Nova Scotia and Connecticut. For 63 years, he was a loyal friend and companion to his wife, Betty; always to son, Jay; and 12 years to grandson, Daniel. He supported and pushed for further education and opportunities for his wife and son, Jay. Jay is survived by his wife, Betty; his son, Jay Raymond and wife, Kerry Thompson; and grandson, Daniel of Miami; his brother, Phillip and wife, Shirley, of Ocala, Fla.; nieces, Sharon Mills and Joy Walton, both of Florida; and many cousins from the Davis family. Services will be announced at a later date. If desired, contributions may be made to Bar Harbor Banking and Trust to Jay and Elizabeth (Brown) Calkins Scholarship Trust Fund, P.O. Box 400, Bar Harbor, ME 04409. This is for further education for graduates of Lawrence High, Fairfield High and Lubec High. Arrangements by McClure Family Funeral Services, Lubec.
JAY CALKINS
