BANGOR and BRADENTON, Fla. – James E. Scripture Sr. “Gramp,” 81, died April 1, 2012, in Florida. He was the son of Alfred W. Scripture Sr. and Margaret (Mackay) Scripture.
Jim graduated from Bangor High School, class of 1948, where he lettered in football and basketball. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years as a signalman during the Korean War. After the military, he attended Husson College before being hired by Bangor Police Department in 1954. He worked through the ranks and completed several training sessions, the most memorable being the FBI National Academy in 1966. During his career he was involved with several well-known cases, including the Morris murders and the Bangor House murder. He completed his career as deputy chief in 1977. He then went to work at Bangor Daily News in the circulation department, retiring for good in 1991. Jim was involved in many community activities during his lifetime. He was a member of Rising Virtue Lodge No. 10 AF & AM of Bangor for more than 50 years; also a member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Bangor, Maine Consistory, 32 degree and the second section of Anah Shriners. He was an avid sports enthusiast who served as a coach for Bangor East Little League and for youth basketball at Bangor YMCA. Dad enjoyed retirement. He loved his family and friends very much, and memories of the time spent together won’t be forgotten. He was especially fond of holidays spent with family as well as summering at the lake. The trips to Fenway Park and spring training games were adventures. Trips to the Lobster Pound will never be the same. He was always ready for a family gathering. He had a way of making friends no matter where he went. Jim and Joan spent their winters in Florida. When home for the summer, he would make sure to get his early morning walk in with “The Mall Walkers” before heading to McDonald’s for a cup of coffee with his brothers and the “coffee crew.” Dad will always be remembered for being soft spoken, having a good-natured soul and always willing to help someone in need.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan (Libbey) Scripture; their five children, James Scripture Jr. and his wife, Rhonda, Michael Scripture and his wife, Ellen, Patti Scripture, Scott Scripture, and Daniel Scripture and his wife, Heather; six grandchildren, Nicholas Scripture, Andrew Scripture, Samantha Scripture, Jenna Scripture, Joshua Scripture and Justin Scripture; and one great-grandson, Henry Scripture. He is also survived by two siblings, Donald A. Scripture and Marion F. Giberson; several nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by four siblings, Alice E. Bell, Janet D. Sweet, Kenneth P. Scripture and Alfred W. Scripture Jr.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 9, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a memorial service with military honors will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, with the Rev. Canon Mary Ann Taylor, pastoral associate of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Bangor, officiating. Those who wish to remember Jim in a special way may make gifts in his memory to CancerCare of Maine, Lafayette Family Cancer Center, care of Healthcare Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.