PORTLAND - James Ernest Brewster, 59, of Cumberland, died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, after suffering a massive heart attack.PORTLAND - James Ernest Brewster, 59, of Cumberland, died Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, after suffering a massive heart attack.
Born in Portland, he was the son of James and Gloria Hatch Brewster. He graduated from South Portland High School in 1975 and attended the University of Southern Maine. He was married to Linda Warden Brewster for 39 wonderful years. When Jim was 16 he started working for Porteous Mitchell and Braun in Portland decorating the large Christmas trees on the front of the store. He worked his way up to become a Buyer until they began to close stores in the mid 1990's. Jim went to work for Kittery Trading Post in Kittery and worked there as a Buyer until his death. Jim especially loved the work family at Kittery Trading Post.
Jim belonged to Tuttle Road UMC in Cumberland and was active there most of his adult life. In recent years he found the love of Guatemala and working to provide medical care to the Mayans in the villages of the mountains, as well as helping to support education for the children. Jim spread love through his tireless work to help anyone he could. He was generous and kind. He loved to tease people he cared about in a loving way. He was a solid foundation for many who knew and loved him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Brewster of Cumberland; a son, Ryan Brewster of Louisville, Ky. and his fianceé Brandy Wells; grandchildren Alyssa and Addison Hilbers; his son Seth Brewster, of Worcester, Mass. and his fianceé Britney Bidmead. He is also survived by his parents James and Gloria Brewster of South Portland; a sister April Brewster of York, a brother Peter Brewster of South Portland, and a brother Timothy Brewster of Portland; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Patricia Warden of Windham.
Visiting hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016, at Tuttle Road UMC, 52 Tuttle Road, Cumberland.
A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at the Greely Middle School Auditorium at 351 Tuttle Road in Cumberland Center on Saturday, Sept 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. It will be followed by a reception at the school.
Private burial will be in Brooklawn Memorial Park.
A Note from Eldon Mayer: The Tuttle Road Methodist Church was filled to capacity on Friday to honor Jim Brewster and Saturday morning the Greely Middle School was nearly filled to capacity for his memorial service. Jim was a quiet man, so not everyone knew what a giant he was in terms in terms of his faithful service to family, friends, and community. The Chebeague community’s hearts go out to his wife and soulmate Linda, who lost her best friend since early childhood at too young an age.