James Ledue

James Ledue, 57 Good Egg Bon Vivant Who Fed The Hungry PORTLAND -- Portland has lost a treasure. Jim Ledue, owner of The Good Egg, Alberta's Cafe, and Bella Bella passed away on Oct. 23, 2009, after a long illness. An avatar of gastronomy and oenology, Jimmy introduced Portland to culinary trends such as mesquite wood grilling, sausage making and 'Death By Chocolate' decades before their current popularity. In addition to his accomplishments as a restauranteur, Ledue exemplified a spirit of creativity and generosity that will live on long after his abbreviated life. Born at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Va., to Herb and Fran Ledue, Jim spent his early years in France and Panama, where his adventures began. He graduated from Cheverus in 1970. With a wanderlust for life he set out to find his way in the world, traversing Canada on foot, making his way to Alaska and down the Pacific Northwest coast to California, with a brief stint as a wildcat oil driller in Wyoming, before settling in Sante Fe. His love of the ocean brought him back to coastal Maine where he began studies in English Literature at USM. Never one to back down from a challenge, Jimmy holds an undefeated record in arm wrestling. With big ambitions, champagne taste and a beer budget, Jim opened his first restaurant in the early 80s. His world travels, innate curiosity, and hunger for knowledge fueled his prolific culinary vision. Jim's graceful form was familiar on Congress Street. His striking appearance was as well known as his creative cuisine. An accomplished chef, Ledue's menus were global adventures for the palate. The epitome of a renaissance man, his many passions included books, birding, marathon running, kayaking, politics, philosophy, and music. Jim was a humanitarian whose creed was in Shakespeare's Sonnet #116, 'A star to every wandering bark...' He opened his restaurants to the homeless, traded meals to those who could not afford, and gave employment to people of many backgrounds. He believed in the potential of every life. An artist and poet, Jim created colorful gathering places where all senses were nourished. He exhibited paintings and sculptures in his restaurants before it was fashionable, and furthered the careers of numerousPortland artists as well as feeding the actors at Mad Horse Theatre and Portland Stage Company. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Frances Nixon Ledue; and his brother, George Ledue. He leaves behind his beloved life partner, Sarah Bartlett of Pownal; his loving father, Herbert A. Ledue of Portland; his brother Michael and wife, Connie of Wichita Falls, Texas, brothers Robert, John and Mark, all of Portland, his sisters, Catherine Shorr and Frances Terroni, both of Portland, Annmarie Houran and husband Brian of South Portland, and Mary Paine and husband Tom of Limerick; in addition to many wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Jim always put his best foot forward and kept a lending hand out to others. There were no bounds to his caring. Plans are currently underway for a celebration of his life in early December. A requiem feast will be served up by local chef friends in Jimmy's honor. At that time, offerings will be gratefully accepted in lieu of flowers. For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering for the event, please send an e-mail to sarahjbartlett@maine.rr.com. To offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland. James Ledue