MADISON – James C. Ireland passed away peacefully on Nov. 12, 2021, at Maplecrest Living Center in Madison, where he has been a resident since July.

Jim was born on Sunday, January 18, 1931, to Perley A. and Mary A. Carr Ireland in Chester, Maine. The family moved to Brownville Junction in 1944 where Jim graduated from High School with the class of 1949. On Aug. 9, 1949, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed onboard a Destroyer, the USS Eversole, DD 789 as a Radarman during the Korean War, a combat veteran serving three Christmases in Korea. On April 22, 1953 he was honorably discharged as Radarman Second Class Petty Officer. He then joined the ranks of the Maine State Police in September of 1955 as a Trooper where he first patrolled Penobscot, York, and finally covering Somerset, Franklin and parts of Kennebec Counties. He was also very proud of a team of four State Troopers initiating the first ever Pursuit Driving (now Emergency Vehicle Operator Course or E.V.O.C.) at the Norridgewock Regional Airport. Jim and fellow Trooper Paul Meservey initiated the first ever Motor Vehicle Inspection Manual together for the State Police. Retiring on a Friday from the Traffic Safety Division with the rank of Corporal in 1975 and serving twenty years (to the day), Jim took on the job as a newly formed Director of Supportive Service for MSAD #59 in Madison the following Monday. After working another twenty years for MSAD #59, Jim decided after that retirement to teach Driver Education for Skowhegan Driving School for many years.

Jim lived in Madison for well over 60 years serving on the Towns’ Advisory Board, Ethics Committee, and Recycling Committee for several years. He served as President of the Madison Kiwanis Club, President of the Madison Area Health Council during the starting years of the Madison Area Health Center, Vice President of the Maine Association of Pupil Transportation. He was a member of American Legion Post #39, and the Tin Can Sailors Association, and Somerset County Emergency Management Administration (Director). In 2020, the Town of Madison dedicated the Town Report to Jim. You could always see Jim and his beloved Norwegian Elkhound, Odin walking every day – and sometimes twice a day – through the streets of Madison in all types of weather.

Jim and the former Dorothy Angove were married on Sept. 30, 1953. They had the opportunity to travel to places such as Canada, Louisiana, Hawaii, Ireland and Mexico to name a few as well as snowbirds to Arizona and Florida. Along with his former Eversole shipmate John Donnelly and his wife, Teresa of New York, they attended many of the Eversole’s reunions throughout the US. He also enjoyed the relaxing at their camp on Schoodic Lake that they built, and relaxed there for 20 summers.

He leaves behind three sons, Michael and his wife Penny of Prairieville, Louisiana; Stephen and his wife Evelyn of Norridgewock; and Jeffrey and his fiancé Wendy Shaw of Madison. Grandchildren Christopher Ireland of Norridgewock and his wife Brandi; Brandy Jewell and her husband Nathan of Skowhegan; Jennifer and husband Eugene Sullivan of Hermon; Kadiya Turner and husband Zach of Brewer and Kasey Ireland of Madison. Great-Grandchildren Clara and Bryce Jewell of Skowhegan; Kade Ireland of Norridgewock; and Emerson and Benjamin Sullivan of Hermon. Sister-in-law, Myrna Ricker of Milo, a special cousin Carolyn Brown (who shared the same one room schoolhouse growing up), and Brenda and Ed Totz of Chester, as well as several other cousins, nieces and nephews and his beloved Norwegian Elkhound “Odin” who was always at his side.

He was predeceased by his loving wife and soul mate, Dottie who passed on Feb. 3, 2020. He was also predeceased by his parents, brother Gerald and sister Hazel. Along with three brothers in laws (Lawrence Ricker, Jim Whalen, and Stan Fitzhugh) and a sister-in-law Gloria Whalen as well as his mother and father-in-law, and his Norwegian Elkhounds, Duke, Gunnar, and Kola.

The family would like to recognize Myrna Ricker and Norman Smith for their frequent visits to Madison. Neighbor Elayne Charron who would always chat and later on would check on Dad as well as bring some goodies over to him when he or Dottie was ill. Elayne also visited when Dad was in the nursing home along with her sister. Longtime friends Carol and Burt King, Joe and Gail Savoy, and Ray Sidell. Jim had many friends, too many to list. Whoever came in contact with him always stated that Jim was a likeable and fair person, even if he pulled you over when he was patrolling the roads of Somerset County as a State Trooper or if you were “removed” from riding the school bus.

The family would like to thank: the staff at Maplecrest, Redington Fairview General Hospital, Madison Area Health Clinic, RGFH EMS, and AMS ambulance services. Carla, Sally, Sandra, and Valarie who helped Dad while he was living at home. Beacon Hospice who also cared for Dad. We thank you all!

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the American Legion Post #39 on South Maple Street in Madison. It would be Jim’s wish for you to “come as you are” in your casual clothes.

A graveside service will take place in the spring of 2022 at Forest Hills Cemetery in Madison.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes those wanting to donate, please donate to the American Cancer Society, the Norwegian Elkhound Rescue (at JNMRF

P.O. Box 65

Mendenhall, PA 19357)

or the charity of your choice.