David Homer Isham

David Homer Isham, fondly known as "Button", passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024 at the age of 89, just feet from where he was born in the family farmhouse. He was born the 8th child of 14 to the late George and Sylvia (Wellinger) Isham on March 8, 1935. He recently celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary to the love of his life, Virginia (Ginger) Morgan. Together they had 6 children: Michael (Helen Weston), Mina, Douglas, Margery (Michael Larson), Ann (Richard St. Onge) and Thomas (Pamela). He is survived by 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren.
David's early education was just across the field at the old schoolhouse. He had lots of stories from his days there. One of his duties was to go down early in the winter months to start the fire to warm the school. They would cross the road at recess and go sliding. He attended both Essex High School, along with Burlington High school, where he graduated in 1953. He talked many times of getting rides to school as well as having to, at times, walk home. His studies included auto mechanics, which he excelled in and was very proud of his skills. He was in the Vermont National Guard for 11 years. These were fond times for David, who loved to tell the antics of fellow service men when off duty.
Soon after his marriage to his loving wife Ginger, he purchased the family farm, becoming the 4th generation to share his love of the land and farming. David was a hardworking and faithful steward of the farm. He made many improvements to the farm over the years, adding on to the main house to support a growing family, replacing older buildings, adding on to the main barn, clearing land for his growing herd. He loved all of his "ladies".
When David sold his Jersey herd in 1993, he sold the development rights of the farm to the Vermont Land Trust so it could be preserved for future generations to enjoy. This gave him time to enjoy the fruits of his labor, such as traveling with Ginger seeing all the places he had only dreamed of for decades. When Ginger wanted to open a Bed and Breakfast, he supported her and enjoyed welcoming people from around the world and swapping stories. He loved to tell stories of the farm and the town in general and give guests tours of the farm.
In his later years, David built a new sugarhouse closer to the main road so he could share his love of maple syrup. When the Champlain Valley Fair decided to build a Sugarhouse on the grounds, he was more than happy to lend a hand in building it. For many years afterwards, he volunteered there and could be found with a smile on his face as he greeted fairgoers. His motto was everything was better with maple on it; something he enjoyed right up until his death. He had an insatiable sweet tooth that transcended maple though, never passing up sweets and cookies. In the Spring when the steam was pouring from cupola, he was ready to welcome the public with a taste of warm maple syrup. He loved the families and schoolchildren that visited every year.
David is survived by his brothers Roderick (Jean) and Truman; his sisters Shirley Miles, Evelyn McSweeney, Marion Brooks (Peter), and Margaret Kimball; his sisters-in-law Mildred Larrow and Judy. He also leaves behind numerous nephews and nieces.
David was predeceased by his parents; brothers George (Elinor), Alvin, Kenneth and infant brother Donald; Brothers-in law James Ingleson, Emerson Miles, Robert Marco9e, James McSweeney, Edward Eno, George Morgan and Julius Larrow; and Sisters Barbara Ingleson, Charlotte Marcotte, and Elizabeth Eno.
In his later years, one of his greatest loves was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Having them visit would bring a smile and a laugh as he loved seeing them and sharing with them his quiet, yet unmistakable sense of humor.
His life could be summed up with words like Ginger, Jerseys, Maple, Country Music and Family.
The family would like to extend a special gratitude to the UVMMC Home Health and Hospice for their outstanding support and help in allowing David to live out his final days at home where he found so much peace.
In the spring, when the sap stops flowing and the sugar woods reawaken from its winter slumber, the family will hold a celebration of David's life. Until then, they welcome your stories and memories be shared.
If you would like to read more about our dad, please consider this touching tribute written by a producer for My Love, a documentary that featured him and his family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a children's special needs organization of your choosing.
Arrangements being handled by Stephen Gregory and Son.