James Stanley Taber

James "Jim" Stanley Taber, 78, of Unity, ME, passed peacefully on February 20, 2026, with his wife of 57 years and loved ones by his side. Jim was born in Gardiner, Maine, to Stanley Taber and Jean (Turner) Taber (deceased).

Jim grew up in South China, Maine, attended China Elementary School, and graduated from Erskine Academy in 1965. He graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, majoring in mathematics and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Jim also completed a master's degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas in 1974. From 1969 to 1978, Jim was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Florida, Alaska, Texas, Greece, and Montana. He retired from military service after 15 additional years with the Montana Air National Guard

Jim was a technology enthusiast and pioneer in the fields of database management and information technology while working in hospital administration. His civilian employers included Columbus Hospital in Great Falls, MT (beginning 1979), Lourdes Hospital in Pasco, WA (1996), and finally Fort Harrison VA Hospital in Helena, MT (retiring 2008).

Jim first saw the love of his life, Sydney (Moon Onat) Taber, while passing by her in front of Stevens Hall. Shortly afterward, he met her again at a dance and they began dating. He and Sydney married in 1968. He is survived by his wife and their three children Jaime Taber, Heather Taber and James Pierce Taber. Jim is also survived by four grandsons-Kevin Stotts, Gabriel Greenwald, Galen Greenwald, and Hunter Stanley Taber-and by his sister Kathy Taber Paradis, his brother Joe Taber and wife Cheryl, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by siblings Rebecca "Becky" Toman and John Taber.

Jim was a fun, interesting, intelligent person with hobbies including fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, music, reading, genealogy, baseball, basketball, and pool. He was a knowledgeable mentor and resource for creating solutions to many. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, whether dancing in the kitchen with his wife, taking his children and grandchildren hunting and fishing, or just going for a drive.

Jim had an active and adventurous way of living. He lived off-base with his young family during junta times in Athens, Greece. He coached girls' elementary school basketball, girls' Little League softball, and boys' Little League baseball in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, and he led high school teams in Business Week competitions. A dedicated athlete, he played recreational softball, basketball, and racquetball. He could often be found fly fishing on Falls Creek or the Dearborn in Montana. He was civically involved with Up with People, Optimist Society, and Toastmasters meetings, and he mentored students while teaching math and business at the College of Great Falls. He spent many days and nights honing his ball game in various leagues and basements in Montana and Maine. In retirement he also sang in a barbershop quartet and attended poetry and philosophy classes at Senior College in Belfast, ME.

Jim was known for the twinkle in his eye, his smile, and his wit. He was fond of pulling your leg and believed in working smarter not harder. He was kind, patient, and did not say anything unkind about anyone. His daughters will remember him as their motivator and compass; his son will remember him as a trusted provider and teacher; his grandsons will remember the life skills he taught them; his wife will remember him as her best friend and a stabilizing force.

Special recognition goes to Jim's niece Dania, who helped keep him happy and in his element at home. The family is profoundly grateful for the skilled help and kindness received from Assistance Plus and Maine Home Care (Tammie, Herman, and Rose), CaringKind (Olivia); MidCoast Music Therapy (Heather); Veterans Administration Home Care Team (Dana) and the Augusta, Maine Veterans Home Memory Care and Hospice Team.

According to his wishes, graveside services will be held at a later time, his ashes will be scattered, and "a good party" will be enjoyed by family and friends. Additional information about services and party will be shared later this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name are suggested to the VFW Post 8835, 175 Veteran Way, Winslow, ME 04901 or CaringKindNYC.org. Fond memories and stories of him are most appreciated.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com