James Patrick Dunleavy

Presque Isle - James P. Dunleavy, an American jurist and politician, died on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at his home in Presque Isle, Maine, in the company of his family. He was 84.
Born on September 23, 1939, in New York City, Dunleavy was the only child of John Patrick and Anne Catherine Dunleavy. Raised by his mother in New York City, Dunleavy graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx and from Hunter College, in Manhattan, in 1963. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. After college, he taught history at Houlton High School.
Dunleavy attended the University of Maine Law School on a full scholarship, graduating in 1968. After his graduation, he moved to Presque Isle and established his law practice. He served in the Maine House of Representatives, and was the Democratic Party's nominee for Maine's second congressional district in 1982. In 1978, he was elected the Aroostook County judge of probate, an office that he held with dedication, intelligence, and fairness until his death. Highly regarded by his peers, he recently served as the elected President of the National College of Probate Judges.
On December 13, 1969, Dunleavy married Georgette Dunleavy (nee Poliquin) of Les Etroits, Saint Marc du Lac Long, Province of Quebec, Canada. Together they raised seven beloved children: Catherine J. (Robert) Haines of Fort Fairfield, Maine; Jennifer (Michael) Hofmann of Denver, Colorado; Jimmy (Julie) Dunleavy of Presque Isle, Maine; Rebecca Dunleavy Raymond of Marco Island, Florida; Mindy Dunleavy of Scarborough, Maine; Lisa (Chad) Brewer of Presque Isle, Maine; and Shawn Dunleavy of Presque Isle, Maine. All survive him, as do his eleven grandchildren: Victoria Dunleavy; Kyli and Tyler Harris; Colin and Riley Raymond; Gavin and Kelsie Dunleavy; Mia and Ava Brewer; and Chloe and Meredith Hofmann.
Dunleavy enjoyed his work, his family, his daily Word puzzle, and the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, of whom he was unabashedly and justifiably proud.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 10:00 – 10:50 AM Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 331 Main St. Presque Isle, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM, with the Rev. Anthony Korir, SMA celebrant. The family asks that you join them for a time of refreshment and remembrance at the Knights of Columbus Hall, immediately following the service. A spring interment will take place at St. Mary's North Main Street Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.duncan-graves.com