WESTBROOK- Jim Reed of Westbrook, Maine died at his home September 28th of heart failure. He was born June 16, 1942, in Farmington, Maine, the son of Dr. James and Elizabeth Reed. Although Jim was born with disabilities that prevented him from attending public schools, he lived a rich and varied life.
Jim began his days in Farmington, Maine, then lived with his grandparents, Charles and Edith Reed at their farm in Otisfield, Maine. With the relaxed pace of farm life, he flourished and developed a lifelong love of animals. When his grandparents were no longer able to manage their farm, he lived with David and Jean McKeen in Harrison, Maine, helping out on their farm.
Jim later lived at Carleton House in Portland, Maine, at Green Hill Farm in Parsonsfield, and at Foss Farm in Limerick, group homes managed by Community Partners. In his last years, he lived in his own home in Cornish with a roommate and a devoted staff. Here, he spent some of his happiest and most productive years. He took part in Special Olympics, went to camp, raised chickens, developed a strong interest in the world around him, and advocated around the state for people with disabilities, including speaking at a meeting with a committee of the Maine legislature. He worked at a recycling center. He also wrote letters with the help of his staff to ask for donations of cars to his house. Thanks to the generosity of several people he and his house received a red Oldsmobile which ran for years and, when that gave out, a blue Toyota. His final days were spent in a beautiful house in Westbrook, Maine. under the care of Spurwink Services, an organization that provides support for people with disabilities
Jim was loved by his staff and his many friends for his generosity, sense of humor, helpfulness, hard work, and reliability. He enjoyed riding horseback once -a -week, as well as going to church, listening to music, and being able to make decisions about his life and his future. He also enjoyed his numerous visits to have lunch with his mother in Farmington, and his visits to Vermont to spend time with his sister, Carol Hosford, and her husband, Charles.
Jim’s wonderful staff made it possible for him to enjoy some really special trips. In his later years he went to a western dude ranch, Disney World, Boston, and New York City, where he held up a sign saying “Maine” at the Today Show.
He was pre-deceased by his mother and father. He is survived by Carol and Charles Hosford and by his niece, Kate Hosford, her husband Chris Welch and their children Charlie and Andreas, his nephew, Dave Hosford, and his wife Melissa and their three girls, Aliya, Carina, and Brooke. He is also survived by his many devoted staff members.
There will be no calling hours. Burial arrangements in Cornish will be provided by Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com. A memorial service will be held at the South Parsonsfield Free Baptist Church later in the fall. All who remember Jim will be welcome to attend.