PORTLAND – John Frederick Kimball, 92, of Portland, formerly of Falmouth and East Boothbay, died on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. Born in New York City, N.Y. on March 16, 1928 and grew up in Augusta. John was a graduate of The Governors Academy in Byfield, Mass. and Brown University in Providence, R.I. where he majored in English Literature. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years in Communication Intelligence. He then married Ellen J. Taubeneck of Oak Park, Ill. who he met while attending college. Upon completion of his four years in the Air Force he relocated back to Maine where he and Ellen raised their three children. His career after his Military began at George C. Frye Co., a medical and dental supply distributor in Portland which he helped to manage and own with his father, Milton S. Kimball. After the company was sold, he began his own advertising agency, Partridge Island Co. located in the Old Port District of Portland. It is at this juncture where John began his love for creative design work and writing was brought to fruition. He was very proud of receiving a Broderson Award for one of his many projects in the Portland community. John was very involved in the Portland Art Community for over a span of 20 years. He participated with his being a trustee on such committees as the Park-Danforth Building Committee, a vice-chairman and member of the Maine Arts Commission and board member of the Maine College of Art (now MECA). His involvement as a Trustee of the Portland Symphony Orchestra and the Portland Museum of Art eventually led to his own artistic endeavors. John produced many paintings where he worked with his own photographs and mixed media. He called himself a “late bloomer” yet became known in his community of East Boothbay Harbor showing in gallery exhibitions as well as several shows in the greater Portland community such as the University of Maine in Gorham, the University of New England Gallery and the Elizabeth Moss Gallery in Falmouth. A well-known staff writer at the Portland Press Herald described John’s art work as “Whit & Whim”, a portrayal of works “that lovingly pokes and prods society’s elite.” His work was satirical and fun in nature and his titles of his paintings brought smiles to many. John’s paintings and posters of his work are to this day, enjoyed by family members and friends. He was a true nonconformist and his colorful work reflected how he lived his life. His children would like to acknowledge his commitment and love for his sense of adventure with many trips to galleries and museums in New England when they were young. There were many family trips on the Saco River and to Baxter State Park. He will also be remembered for his famous lobster bakes on Murray Hill Road in East Boothbay. The family would like to express a sincere thank you for his amazing care at 75 State St. for the last 3 ½ years of his life. John was father to Joan “Nonie” Kimball (spouse Scott Sanford) of Falmouth, Julie Kimball of Santa Cruz, Calif. and Sara Kimball of Portland. John was fondly called “Beemah” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His grandchildren include Ryan K. Bullock (spouse Jamie Bullock, great grandchildren, Adalise and Leora) of Brunswick; Seth H. Bullock (spouse Megan Bullock, great-grandchildren, Finley and Alden), of Brunswick; Benjamin Sanford of Crested Butte, Colo., Adrienne Sanford of Oakland, Calif., Sidney Kimball of San Francisco.John was predeceased by granddaughter, Alison C. Bullock; and parents, Milton and Helen Kimball; and sister, Mary K. Mathes. A celebration of life will be scheduled with his immediate family in the summer months ahead. Please visit http://www.AdvantagePortland.com to sign John’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.A gift in his memory can be made to MECA: https://www.meca.edu/info-for/advancement/how-to-make-a-gift/support-meca/ 

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