James (Jim, Jimmy) B. Cleveland, 76, passed away peacefully at his Bridgton home on Sept. 30, 2023, after a two-year battle with dementia.

Jim was born April 5, 1947, in Lewiston to James and Evelyn Cleveland. Jim loved many things, especially his family’s genealogy, searching old cemeteries, hunting with his father, snowmobiling, four-wheeling and watching stock car racing at Oxford Plains Speedway. We wouldn’t want to leave out his love of old western movies. He was a man of few words, except when it came to talking about history, he could tell stories for hours!

In 1965, he graduated from Oxford Hills High School, then attended Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute for two years for mechanics. Shortly after, he joined the Army National Guard, retiring after 22 years as a staff sergeant. He worked many years at Glines Service Station, Bessey Motors, Jewell Tire and the Oxford Hills School District Department of Transportation. In 1987, he went to work at Lake Region School District in Naples as a bus mechanic and later as bus driver, retiring in 2021.

Jim married Mary Bigelow on Dec. 16, 1994. They loved to travel to Amish country in Pennsylvania with dear friends several times a year. Jim loved history and would teach his girls everything he knew about the Battle of Gettysburg.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary, of Bridgton; his six girls, Jennifer, Jamie, Keisha, Brittany, Shyniece and Katerina; a great-granddaughter, Delilah, known as “Deli”; his sister, Jean Dela- mater, and husband Jim; nephews Chris Delamater and wife, Heather, and Matt Delamater and wife, Emily; several great-nieces and nephews; and former wife Janice Cleveland.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bridgton Food Pantry, 214 Main St., Bridgton, ME 04009.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 8 Elm Street, Bridgton. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com