BANGOR and TREASURE ISLAND, FL – James Sterling Stanley, 99, died February 17, 2017 at a Brewer healthcare center after a short stay. He was 7 days short of his 100th birthday. He was born February 24, 1917, in Carroll Plantation, the son of Asa Herbert Stanley Sr. and Annie Rosabell (Gillis) Stanley.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, Frances (Reynolds) Stanley, their son, Reynolds Stanley, four brothers and three sisters.

“Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units that measure the worth of a man
As a man, regardless of birth.
Not what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But did he help those who were really in need?
Was he ever ready with words of good cheer?
To bring back a smile to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say?
But how many missed him when he went away? Author unknown

Jim was a member of the class of ’34 at Kents Hill School and a member of the class of ’38 at the University of Maine, Orono. He was the president of the Bangor Jaycees, vice-president of the Maine Jaycees, a National director and national vice-president of the United States Jaycees, president of the City Club of Bangor, a member of Kiwanis and of the Masons, was president of the YMCA, campaign chairman of the United Way, and president of the Board at Kents Hill School. Jim was also a member of the Bangor City Council, chairman of the Bangor Water Board, served three sessions in the Maine House of Representatives, was chairman of the Appropriations Committee, a member of the Legislative Research Committee, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Budget and served two years in the Maine State Senate. He was president and treasurer of Stanley’s Inc., Serv-All, Inc. and Stickney and Babcock Fuel Co. Jim owned Murray Motor Mart, Modern Cleansers and was a director of Haynes & Chalmers Co. He was a resident of Bangor and had a love affair with that City for over 60 years.

Jim is survived by a sister, Neta Richardson and her husband, Albert of San Marcos, CA; a sister-in-law, Flora Stanley, of St. Petersburg, FL, and many nieces and nephews, of whom he was proud.

In keeping with Jim’s request, a private graveside service will be held in the spring at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Those who wish to remember Jim in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Penobscot Theatre Company, 131 Main Street, Bangor, ME 04401. A service of Brookings-Smith, Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.

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