BOWDOINHAM-James A. Prop, age 77, died
Sunday, April 7, 2019 at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn after a short
visit, but a longer journey with an autoimmune disorder and lymphoma.
He was born in Braddock, PA, the son of
Henry and Helen Langley Prop on 19 JAN ‘42.
He went to Turtle Creek High School and
then followed a career in the United States Navy where he served in Vietnam. He also went to college at Old Dominion University and earned a BS
in History from SUNY, Albany. When he retired from the Navy in 1982, he began
his own business, Prop Marine Electronics, servicing commercial fishing boats Downeast
and in Midcoast Maine, retiring in 2008.
In his retirement, Jim loved to hike and
walked many sections of the Appalachian Trail and Vermont Long Trail, with his
best friend Jake, a yellow labrador retriever.
He was a voracious reader of Religion and
History. He also raised fruit trees, built dulcimers, enjoyed landscape and
portrait painting, and raised ducks.
Jim was a strong advocate for those in the
recovery community. He volunteered at St. Mary’s detox and IOP units in
Lewiston. He loved holding inspiration in his pocket,
and was quick to share a quote with you. He will be missed by many.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife
Meredith Smithson, his children Steven J. Prop and his wife Tammy of Maine, a
son Michael E. Prop and his wife Kim of Pennsylvania, stepchildren Rosemary and
Marshall Cumback of Maine, two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, 6 nieces
and 1 nephew. He is also survived by a sister, Mary A. Miller of NC.
He was predeceased by his parents and two
brothers, David Prop and Thomas Prop.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held
Friday, April 12th at 11 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Church-All
Saints Parish 132 McKeen St. Brunswick. Interment will be private.
Donations in his name may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School,
P.O. Box 326, Chamberlain, SD 57326. Arrangements are by Stetson’s
Funeral Home 12 Federal St., Brunswick, Me 04011 where memorial condolences may
be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com