PORTLAND – John Jay Gorham, 47, of Portland, passed away on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 surrounded by his family at their home in Cumberland. His death followed a sudden cardiac event at Maine Medical Center a week earlier.

John was born on Jan. 12, 1974 in Canton, Ohio, the son of John and Janene Gorham, and was a 1992 graduate of Greely High School. He attended the University of Southern Maine, Southern Maine Community College and served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz as a member of the Crash and Salvage Crew on the flight deck.

John enjoyed the outdoors, spending time on Forest Lake in Cumberland, hiking in the White Mountains, his dogs, Max, Champ and Chloe, and spending time with his niece, Rose, and nephew, John. He lived for warm summer days, a good laugh and the company of those he loved. John was a lifelong fan of music, loved watching the Patriots and hanging out with his many friends.

John is survived by his parents, John and Janene Gorham of Cumberland; his sisters, Lisa Gorham and her husband John Aissis of Connecticut and Sara Gorham and her husband Joseph Johnson of Niskayuna, N.Y.; his niece, Rose Johnson, his nephew, John G. Aissis. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins, including cousins Shawn Watkins and Andrew Watkins and his wife Nicole, all of Akron, Ohio, Thomas Gorham and his wife Joan of Ridge, NY and Jessica Gorham of Portland; his longtime friend, Nyree Landry, and many friends.

John’s life was a gift to his family and friends, and ended far too soon. In the words of one of John’s favorite artists, Neil Young, “Think of me as one you’d never figured would fade away so young with so much left undone.” He will forever be our loving son, brother, uncle, partner and friend. Get the Led out, John.

John’s family wishes to thank the physicians, nurses and staff on the Cardiac ICU at Maine Medical Center, Rev. Tom Mousin and Caroline O’Malley-Scott, R.N. of Hospice of Southern Maine.

A private service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Portland and a celebration of John’s life will be held this summer on Forest Lake. Arrangements are by Cremation Services of Southern Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be maybe made to the: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland or the Appalachian Mountain Club