McPartland remembered by family and friends

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    James F. McPartland, well-known owner of McPartland Plumbing and Heating, died Friday, Nov. 7. McPartland’s grandfather started the business in the 1800s and his sons; Jim and Frank continue to operate it today.
    McPartland was born October 19, 1924, the son of Frank L. and Louise (Chamberlain) McPartland. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy following his graduation from Houlton High School in 1943. He served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. On September 23, 1950 he married Lois Marie Moore, who survives him.
    Together they raised six children, Margaret, Anne, James M., Frank, Mary and Sarah, and are also the grandparents of 12.
    Father Raymond, pastor of St. Mary of the Visitation, spoke of knowing Mr. McPartland for only a few months, but how he continually heard what a good man he was.
    “He was a public servant, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend,” said Raymond. “ He was a veteran. Let us never forget this generation. They helped shape our communities. He was a builder of family life, this community and this church.”
    McPartland’s eldest daughter, Margaret spoke on behalf of the family. She reminisced about family holidays and the family traditions.
    “Our father told us that the greatest gift for him was for them to love their mother, honor their family and work hard,” she said.
    Houlton Water Co. manager, John Clark also spoke at Tuesday’s funeral.
 “Jim was a gentleman’s gentleman,” he said. “No matter whom he came in contact with he treated them with patience, kindness and respect. Ironically Jim would not like us to be talking about him. He liked to keep a low profile and would not take credit for any success he may have had.”
    He went on to say how Jim treasured the Houlton Water Co. as much as his own company. He felt that the Water Co. was an integral part of the community whose duty it was to provide the three basic utility services as reliably and cost effectively as possible.
    “He operated under three simple rules when making a decision. Is it good for the customers? Is it good for the town? Is it good for the employees?” said Clark. “If he could answer yes to all three questions, it was a go.”
    Clark also shared memories from former Water Co. employee, Steve Socoby. In 1983, Socoby, in his early 30’s, was promoted to supervisor of the electric company.
    Socoby remembered being very inexperienced and nervous in his new role. He said that he made many trips to McPartland’s Mechanic Street business seeking advice. He said that McPartland did not give him orders to follow, but chose instead to encourage him and instill confidence. He brought a calming influence to a young supervisor.
    Clark said that he, too, sought guidance when he first came on board in 1984 and appreciated the patience he showed him.
    In 1968 McPartland was elected to the board of directors of the Houlton Water Co. He was the longest serving member of the board and for 31 years was either the president or vice-president of the organization.
    During McPartland’s 35th year on the Water Co. board, his fellow board members dedicated the pumping station at Cary’s Mills in his honor. It is the only station that the Water Co. has ever dedicated in honor of a director.
    Tim Suitter has been an employee of McPartland’s for more than 30 years. He had nothing but admiration for his boss.
    “Jim was professional every day of the week,” he said, “He taught me how to do things right. He was particular and I learned his way.”
    “In all of the years I worked for Jim, he never ‘chewed’ me out,” laughed Suitter. “ He probably should have, but didn’t. He might give me a look, but then just walk away.”
    Suitter went on to say that McPartland told him when he first started the job to do “the best job you can do, and sometimes that won’t be good enough.”
    Suitter says that he has never forgotten those words. He thinks of them often as he continues his work with the McPartland family business.
    McPartland was a communicant of St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, a life member and past-exalted ruler of the Houlton Lodge of Elks#835. He was also a lifelong supporter and enthusiast of the Houlton Fire Department, having grown up beside the fire station as a young child.