KENDUSKEAG – James H. Sodermark, 84, died Feb. 9, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at a Bangor hospital. He was born Dec. 3, 1927, in East Corinth, the son of Halvard and Florence (Young) Sodermark.
Jim attended schools in Corinth and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married his sweetheart, Ginger Pullen, Oct. 26, 1951. He owned his own auto sales and service business in Levant and later in Kenduskeag, and also worked as a mechanic for Eastern Rivers. Jim taught mechanics at MDTA, Bangor, and Lee Academy. He loved airplanes, aviation and especially enjoyed NASCAR racing. He raced at Unity and Exeter raceways, Speedway 95, and in the early days of NASCAR at Weaverville Raceway, Ashville, N.C. Jim was a member of Kenduskeag Union Church and Maine Aviation Historical Society.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Virginia “Ginger” (Pullen) Sodermark of Kenduskeag; four daughters, Valerie Knaut of Winslow, Sherry and Marc Swan of Plymouth, Mass., Vicki Sodermark and Tom Shriner of Lincoln, Neb., and Sandra and John Keith of Levant; his sister, Pauline Sodermark of Corinth; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Jason, Miranda, Melissa, Jesse and Meagan; five great-grandchildren, Garin, Christopher, James, Zoey and Brianna; and a special friend, Joseph “Tuddy” Strout of Corinth. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son-in-law, Frank Knaut; granddaughter, Rae Elizabeth; and brother-in-law, Greg Hildreth.
A service of remembrance will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Ruth Guerette, of Kenduskeag Union Church, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at The Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately after the service. Gifts in Jim’s memory may be sent to a charity of your choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.