James W. Leadbetter

James W.
Leadbetter, 95
PORTLAND -- James W. Leadbetter, 95, of Portland, died Saturday, July 3, 2010, at The Cedars Nursing Facility. He was born on Feb. 3, 1915, in Harmony, the son of Leigh M. and Nancy Seekins Leadbetter. Jim attended Hartland Academy and graduated from Deering High School in 1933. On Oct. 25, 1941, he married the former Ruth Gilman at St. Joseph's Church.
Following high school, Jim began working at Leadbetter's Bakery with his mother. He owned the bakery until 1970. In 1969 he started a second family business, The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights soon became a summer favorite to Mainer's and tourist alike. In 2009, Jim and his daughter's family received the small family business of the year award. In the early 1970s Jim and his wife Ruth started The Candle Shack, a small gift shop next door to The Lobster Shack. They continued to run the gift shop until his death.
Jim was well known as a baker, a potter and a photographer. In his youth he was very active in the Lyric Theater and Portland Players. He served as president of the Maine Bakers Association and the Portland Camera Club. When one met Jim, he always wanted to share his business experiences and encourage everyone to find their own potential.
Jim and his wife wintered in Sedona, Ariz., for 35 years. It was here that he left behind the dough for clay. Jim was a skilled pottery artisan who was well known for his ikebana and egg separators. He and his wife Ruth loved to travel.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth G. Leadbetter; a son, Leigh F. Leadbetter and his wife Sharon of Sedona, Ariz., and his daughter, Martha Porch and her husband Herbert Porch of Cumberland. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway in South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 7, at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Interment will be at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. On-line condolences may expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made to:
The Cape Elizabeth Rescue
'Wet Team'
2 Jordan Way
Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04017
James W.
Leadbetter