CANAAN – James Gilman Herrin, “Codfish”, 89, born July 4, 1934, to Kenneth O. Herrin Sr. and Florence (Stinchfield) Herrin and the beloved husband of Anne (St.Ledger) Herrin passed away April 11, 2024, at home surrounded by loved ones. He passed in the home that Mom and Dad have lived for 70 plus years, which Dad’s grandfather previously lived.

Dad was born in Canaan, attended school in Canaan, and graduated from Skowhegan High School class of 1952. He excelled in the sports he played, namely baseball and football, and was inducted into the Skowhegan High Football Hall of Fame.

Dad and Mom were married Sept. 5, 1953, at the Federated Church in Skowhegan, which remains their church. I think I remember a story that his soon to be father-in-law stated “the marriage would not last!” They soon would be celebrating 71 years of marriage.

In 1954, they started their family. Bob was born, two years later Betsy, and then two years after, Ron was born. This completed their family.

Dad was a proud patriarch of the Herrin family, “Herrin Strong” was a family motto. He was always true to his word. There was nothing anyone could do to change his mind once a decision was made. Stubborn you might say! He excelled in everything he did whether being a life-long dairy farmer, a shepherd of his forest, or clear cutting a 25-acre wood parcel by hand to create more pasture. Although farming was his life, he did make time annually to hunt with his sons and grandsons, and most recent as two years ago with his granddaughter. In 2015 he had an adventure with his two sons, which he was most nervous about and later admitted he was glad he took to Northern Quebec to fish for brook trout. Another hobby was being introduced to trapping by a friend and local trapper Mike Demo, which he enjoyed each adventure.

Farmer, hunter, trapper, milk truck driver, snowmobiler, and grandchild teaser.

Summers were enjoyed not only in the hay field but listening to loons at their camp on Morrill Pond, and as friends and family members built lasting memories there.

A lifelong goal that Mom and Dad had was to take their children and spouses on a paid vacation to the Caribbean and that cruise happened to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary September 2004. A trip of a lifetime for all.

He was a charter member of the Smokey’s Angels Snowmobile Club, former President, Snowmobiler of the Year, as well as spending countless hours maintaining and grooming trails.

Dad and Mom both had a passion to give back, especially to the less fortunate, raising money for Pine Tree Camp (they were inducted into the PTC Hall of Fame) and then later raising money for Camp Capella. They made many lifelong friends through these organizations.

Another organization dear to Dad’s heart were his brothers at the Carrabbasett Masonic Lodge #161. He provided lumber and countless hours along with Ed Gettz and others in constructing and finishing the Masonic Hall. We thank Dale Burrill for his attention to Dad during this most difficult progression of Parkinson’s disease.

He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Florence Herrin; in-laws Rexford and Evelyn St. Ledger; brother, Kenneth Herrin Jr., brother-in-law, Bruce St. Ledger; niece, Nome Louise St.Ledger, and nephews Rex St. Ledger and Stephen Herrin.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anne (St.Ledger) Herrin; sons Robert (Raejean) and Ronald, and daughter, Betsy Holt (Michael); grandchildren, Jason Herrin, Joshua Herrin (Aliza), Jennifer Viles (Bernie), Jared Herrin (Chelsie), Corey Holt (Jocelyn), Kristin Holt (Holly), Ashley Fabian (Roland), and Jenna Walker (Eric); great-grandchildren, Lilly and Gavin Herrin, Jackson Holt, Grace “Big Codfish” and Lucas Holt-Rubin, Emma, Drake, and Mady Viles, Amina and Anaya Fabian, Tyson Herrin, Grant, Ethan and Corbin Walker, Kealey and Devin Bowman, Evelyn and Emmett Herrin, and Rebecca and Elizabeth Herrin; sister-in-law, Nome St. Ledger; and a very special cousin and wife, Eugene and Ruth Herrin; niece, Linda Herrin Cannon, and nephews Patrick Herrin and Michael St. Ledger.

Special thank you and hugs go to Mary, Lindsey, Ali, and Bobbi Jo for their loving care provided; we couldn’t have been on this journey without you. Special thanks to Beacon Hospice for providing us with Megan M and to the caring girls at Cedar Ridge.

A time of visiting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, April 15, at the Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield. A funeral, along with a Masonic service, will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 16, at the Federated Church, Island Ave., Skowhegan, with Pastor Mark Tanner officiating.

Please join family and friends following the funeral at the Carrabbassett Masonic Lodge, Oak Pond Road, Canaan.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield.

Please consider in lieu of flowers, donations in Dad’s memory to Carrabbassett Masonic Lodge #161

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