PORTLAND – James Patrick Sloan of Portland, passed away at Maine Medical Center on May 20, 2023, after a long and valiant battle with cancer, with his longtime significant other and his daughter by his side. He was 71.

Jim was born to the late Mary (Beatty) and Lincoln Sloan on Feb. 9, 1952, in Portland, the third of four siblings. He grew up in Portland, and attended Portland Schools.

In his early career, Lucas Tree, Blue Rock and Gordon Construction employed him. Jim began his career with the City of Portland in 1989 as a maintenance worker, and then worked his way up the ranks to sewer inspector. Jim took great pride in the work he performed, and was much admired and loved by fellow workers as well as the many contractors he encountered. Over the years, he developed his already strong work ethic, of which he was very proud, and passed along to his daughter.

In 1981, Jim married Margaret “Peggy” Bushey and they proudly welcomed Kristen Marie in 1982. Though this marriage was not permanent, Peggy and Jim remained amicable co-parents throughout their lives.

In the late ’90s, Jim met Elaine through work friends; they have since remained committed partners in every aspect of life, including camping, adventuring around Maine, and their most enjoyed endeavor: grand-parenting. Jim relished his role as “Tapa” to Ty, Nyla, Bryn and Fletcher, and was an active participant in their lives.

In 2019 Jim retired from the City of Portland, after 30 years of service. He was an unwilling participant in retirement, only retiring due to his diagnosis, and was always putting around the house/yard finding new projects to keep him busy. He greatly enjoyed his breakfasts “with the boys” and would frequently stop by the district to visit with previous co-workers. He enjoyed traveling, and visited many places throughout his years, but unfortunately never made his dream trip to Ireland to visit his place of ancestry.

Jim is survived by his longtime significant other, Elaine Spring; daughter, Kristen (Sophal) Sao; Elaine’s daughters, Katherine (Andrew) Green and Christie (Greg) Klein; five beloved grandchildren, Ty, Nyla and Bryn Sao and AJ and Fletcher Green; sisters Frances Bushey and Mary (Brian) Beaulieu; and several loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Linda Sanborn.

There will be a private graveside service for the family, and a celebration of life will be held on June 17 at 1 p.m., at his home.

“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

To leave memories and condolences for the family please visit http://www.advantageportland.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to

Maine Cancer Foundation.

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