ACTON – James “Jim” “Woody” “Seamus” Joseph Driscoll, age 67, passed away on November 11,
2024, at his beautiful farm in Acton, Maine, after a valiant fight with cancer with his daughters,
Poleigh and Jayde, his partner Mary Chenevert, and her daughter Maya Smith by his side.
He was born in Abington, MA, the son of the late Francis and Mary (Adams) Driscoll. A member of
the prestigious Summer Street neighborhood, Jim took pride in his Irish roots as well the many
lifelong friendships he created during his childhood. In true Driscoll fashion, Jim attended and
graduated from Avon Old Farms in Avon, CT, in the class of 1977. The countless relationships he
made during this time lasted for the rest of his life. Jim often spoke of these friendships and
adventures.
After graduating from the University of New Haven, Jim went on to work as a firefighter in his
hometown of Abington for fifteen years, something he took immense pride in. After an on-the-job
injury, Jim saw an opportunity to relocate to Maine, where he had spent many summers with his
family as a child. It was at this time that he and Lorri purchased their beautiful farmhouse on
Sanborn Road in Acton, ME. This home, lovingly known as “Wishing Rocks Farm,” is where Jim and
Lorri raised their two daughters, Poleigh and Jayde. Out of all the adventures Jim had in life, his true
passion and best “job” was being a dad. There was no greater legacy in his mind than being Deard
to Poleigh and Jayde.
Kindness and caring for others were paramount in Jim’s life. He quietly helped countless people
throughout his life, not for glory or praise, but because he felt we had an obligation to look out for
each other. His way of helping neighbors was infectious, and he quietly led by example. The term
neighbors extended beyond the folks on his street. Neighbors spanned a broad spectrum – people
in Acton, surrounding communities, folks connected to his past, and people he didn’t know
personally. To say he had an incredible impact on Acton is an understatement. He was a beloved
member of this community, the unofficial “mayor of Acton”, and served the town in various
capacities. He started the Spirit of Acton annual award, and folks have been recognized for
essentially being good humans and contributing to the community. What an impact this award had
on its recipients over the years; it was a special part of the fabric of this community. He was a
school committee, board of selectmen, and cemetery committee member, and served in
countless other capacities including his ‘best gig ever’ as the Animal Control Officer for Acton. He
also took on that role for the town of Shapleigh. Jim absolutely loved this work. It was perfect for
him to feed his passion for animals, and he used it as a way to bring the community together --
helping with lost dogs, cats, horses, cows, and the occasional llama. He deemed his Mary as his
‘deputy’, nicknamed her Kato, and they’d go on many calls together.
He was a humble and well-grounded man who appreciated where he came from – his roots of
growing up in Abington. He was a nurturer by nature – feeding people with heaping plates of food,
doting on his animals with thought and care, and fertilizing and nourishing the plants and trees on
the farm. He took special pride in the roses he and Mary planted on the farm in the last couple of
years. He was known for making vats of meatballs for families experienced a loss, pizza and trays
of Greek salad for folks at the Town Hall and the transfer station, and baking tons of cupcakes for
Poleigh and Jayde’s birthdays that he’d surprise them with at school. He wanted people to be well
fed and warm.
He reconnected later in life and found love with a girl named Mary from Saint Bridget’s School
where they both attended school as children. He and Mary enjoyed life together on the farm since
Mary moved to Acton from Ohio, living a simple life with lots of walks on the beach. A quiet day at
home was enough for them because they so thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. Through
Mary, Jim was a grandfather to her daughter Maya’s three children, Alexis, Lucas, and Oliver. This
little family brought him much joy over the last several years.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lorri-Anne, his little brothers Stephen Driscoll and Edward
“Eddie” S. Driscoll. Jim is survived by his daughters Poleigh Driscoll of Acton, ME, and Jayde
Driscoll of Freeport, ME, and his siblings Francis S. Driscoll of Holyoke, MA, Marianne Driscoll of
Abington, MA, Margaret M. D’Angelo and her husband Vincent of Columbia Falls, Montana, Kevin J.
Driscoll and his wife Maria of Avon, CT, Joseph V. Driscoll and his wife Leslie of Falmouth, MA, Mark
G. Driscoll and his wife Linda of Houston, TX, John J. Driscoll of Avon, CT, the late Stephen P.
Driscoll, Kathleen T. Driscoll of Boston, MA, Thomas P. Driscoll and his wife Margaret of
Manasquan, NJ, Michael E. Driscoll of San Francisco, CA, and his wife Kara, Jude T. Driscoll and his
wife Marcea of Philadelphia, PA, the late Edward S. Driscoll and his wife Angela of Haddonfield, NJ.
Jim is also survived by his partner Mary Chenevert of Acton, ME, her daughter Maya and her
husband Kyle Smith, and their children, Alexis, Lucas, and Oliver of Delaware, OH, as well as many
nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Friday, December 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the Acton Congregational Church,
59H Road, Acton, ME. This will be followed by a gathering at Barn Lights, 189 Hopper Rd, Acton,
ME, immediately following Jim’s service.
The family also wishes to acknowledge and thank the wonderful people at New England Cancer
Specialists and Hospice of Southern Maine for their kind and compassionate care over the past
seven months. Appreciation also to the folks at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Town of Acton’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors
fund. Donations can be made by check and mailed to the Acton Town Hall, 35 H Road, Acton, ME
04001. And please help a neighbor, just because.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com