Staff Writer
WASHBURN, Maine — Aroostook County has lost a real treasure, with the recent passing of James A. McBreairty. McBreairty was instrumental in making a number of changes that continue to affect the citizens of Washburn, the county and the state. He recognized the importance of working as a team and encouraged group efforts when it came to solving problems.
Born March 30, 1915, in Allagash, the son of Hampton and Sarah (Walker) McBreairty, he was the oldest of nine children. He learned early the importance of family values. On April 30, 1937, he wed Doris Dickinson. The couple were married for over 70 years, until cancer took his beloved wife in 2007. For about 30 years, the pair ran a successful farm, purchasing 111 acres in Perham in 1940. In an interview for their 70th wedding anniversary, the couple credited the ability to work together for the farm’s success.
That ability to work with others followed McBreairty throughout his life, as he collaborated with others to: improve education in Washburn; create the first snowmobile club in Maine — in Caribou; facilitated laws that established the present-day Maine moose hunt; initiated a plan whereby he and his wife took high school students from his district to Augusta, to witness him in action in the legislature; addressed the needs of the elderly, serving on the board of the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging for over 20 years; and served with the Northern Maine Development Commission, working to encourage local development. He was active in local politics as well. In addition, following his wife’s death, he established the McBreairty-Dickinson Memorial Scholarship fund at Northern Maine Community College, in an effort to assist others with their educational goals.
Tim Hobbs, director of development and grower relations, of the Maine Potato Board, credits McBreairty with providing him with a “better understanding of Maine politics.” As a youth, Hobbs was one of several local teens who were given the opportunity to travel to Augusta to see legislators in action.
“I was in high school, probably 1981-82. Jim and Doris would take a group of students to Augusta every year. The year I went, it was students from Washburn and Presque Isle,” said Hobbs.
Hobbs said that was an experience he won’t forget.
“We got to see the legislative process from behind the scenes. We got to tag along with Jim wherever he went. We sat in the gallery, watched the proceedings,” he said.
“It was an interesting experience. I still find myself talking about it with others even now,” said Hobbs.
By showing youth what was involved, Hobbs said McBreairty hoped to spark an interest in politics and encouraged youth in his district to pursue their dreams, while remembering their responsibilities to their communities.
“I think he was trying to promote civic responsibility and trying to get young people involved in politics,” said Hobbs, noting he himself has come full circle following his early experience in Augusta. “I spend a lot of time now lobbying in Augusta. I’ve found what I learned then helps me do a better job now.”
A representative and then a state senator, McBreairty built a solid reputation of being a very determined gentleman who said what he meant and stood by his word. While serving on the board of directors for the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, McBreairty used his expertise in Augusta to raise awareness of senior issues, especially in Aroostook County.
“Jim was our board president from 1990-97. He was with us about 20 years. Jim and I made many trips together down to Augusta to testify on legislation. It didn’t matter who the governor was — at the time John McKernan, then Angus King — they all knew him,” said Steve Farnham, director, AAAA. Farnham said that extended to other legislators as well. “Everyone remembered Jim. He left a remarkable impression.”
Farnham said it didn’t matter who they ran into in Augusta, McBreairty was a man everyone remembered.
“One of the things that was memorable about Jim, everyone always knew him and he was so well-respected. Several times he and I walked into the governor’s office and the secretary knew him by name — both McKernan and King. He was highly respected,” he said.
McBreairty, according to Farnham, was also recognized for his determination.
“Whatever Jim said, it was always gospel. He knew how things would impact older people. If Jim said it, they (governors and other politicians) listened,” said Farnham.
Farnham said it didn’t matter what political affiliation a person was, be it Republican, Democrat or Independent, McBreairty took the time to listen.
“He was non-partisan. He did his homework and people understood that. He understood the problems of people in Aroostook and statewide. He cared and tried to make a difference,” said Farnham.
With regard to the agency, Farnham said he learned a lot from McBreairty, a longtime county treasurer.
“He taught me, ‘If you watch your pennies, the dollars take care of themselves.’ He had an amazing insight into financial reports. He understood things like that very well,” said Farnham. “His expertise and humor will be truly missed.”
Calling hours and the funeral for McBreairty were held last week. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made to: McBreairty-Dickinson Memorial Scholarship Fund, NMCC, 33 Edgemont Dr., Presque Isle, ME 04769.
