James Bullen

NAPLES — James “Jim” J. Bullen, 81, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born in Somerville, Mass., on Feb. 1, 1936, to Richard W. and Elizabeth (McFall) Bullen. He grew up near Magoon Square with his siblings, and graduated from Somerville High School in 1954.

Jim joined the Army in 1955 as a medic and served in the 10th Mountain Division. He was honorably discharged in 1958.

In 1968, Jim met the love of his life — Brenda E. Johnson and her five children. Together they had a son and raised their large family in Naples.

Jim worked as a tile installer for J & W in Westbrook before opening his own business with his son, Tom, “Strictly Tile.”

He enjoyed many days fishing from the banks of Crooked River and trolling both Big Sebago and Thompson Lakes. He relished his trips to Labrador with his fishing buddies, too.

Jim looked forward to his Friday night dinner dates with Brenda at the Colonial Restaurant and in later years, he liked swimming with his son, Tom, at the Colonial Mast.

In addition to being an avid fisherman, Jim was a big New England sport’s fan.

He adored his dog, “Honey,” whom he adopted in 2014.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Brenda, in 2009; parents; sister Elizabeth Lynch; and brothers William, Richard, and Thomas.

He is survived by his children, Peter Vachon and wife Karen of Scarborough, Cynthia “Jayne” Worcester of Naples, Margaret Bernier of Worcester, Mass., Heidi Mercer and husband Steve of Naples, Wendi Ittah of Centreville, Va., and Thomas Bullen and wife Elizabeth of Casco; 10 grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter with whom he was particularly smitten.

Visiting hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Rd. Casco. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bridgton. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net