WEST TREMONT – James H. Rich, 78, died Aug. 10, 2010, in West Tremont. He was born June 25, 1932, in Tremont, the son of Jasper and Ethel (Gray) Rich. James was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Army. James owned and operated James H. Rich Boat Yard, West Tremont, for 52 years. He built and restored boats, as well as storing them. He was a former member of Knights of Pythias and Tremont Harbor Committee. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Louise (Spurling) Rich of West Tremont; his daughter, Nancy Thurlow and her husband, Richard; one grandson, James Thurlow and fiancee, Tricia Hammond, all of Bass Harbor; one brother, Merton Rich and wife, Lida, of West Tremont; stepchildren, Debra L. Alley and husband, Larry, and Jillian Chipman and husband, Philip, all of Southwest Harbor, Roy Sprague Jr. and companion, Evangeline Dyer, of Mariaville, and Scott Sprague of Southwest Harbor; several stepgrandchildren, including one special stepgrandson, Ryan Sprague; and two great-stepgranddaughters, Ivy and Mariah Hamor. James was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Ann; a sister, Betty Holt; and a brother, Buster Gray. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert, with the Rev. Wayne Buchanan officiating. Contributions in James’ memory may be made to James H. and Ann M. Rich Scholarship Fund, care of Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 698, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 at any branch. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.
JAMES H. RICH
