James J. Kilbride Endowed Scholarship Fund

James Joseph Kilbride

August 13, 1934-June 26, 2024

James J. Kilbride, 89, a Maine native, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on June 26, 2024. Jim Kilbride was a loving husband of 67 years, an amazing father, grandfather, and to his great joy, a great-grandfather. He lived a full life, most recently in PA close to his adoring family and so many of his grandchildren. He previously lived in Florida, but every year of his life, he spent a significant amount of time in his beloved Maine. Jim, a humble servant, loved the Lord and modeled his life accordingly. He served others, gave quietly, and sought to uplift those around him. He was an avid golfer and downhill skier. More recently, he biked and kayaked…a double kayak with his wife, who never used her paddle!

He was born and raised in South Portland, ME. He was a graduate of Cheverus High School in Portland, ME and the College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, MA. Following this, he served 4+ years in the United States Navy and then became an accomplished business leader in Portland. His time at Exchange Street started at Morse, Payson, and Noyes (MPN) in January 1961. Here he dedicated his entire career until retiring to Florida. As CEO and owner, he helped grow MPN into one of the largest insurance agencies in New England. He was so thankful that his business success enabled him to help others, sitting on numerous boards and volunteering at seemingly countless non-profit organizations, including: The College of the Holy Cross Alumni Association, St. Joseph’s College, Cheverus High School, Feitelberg Corporation, Greater Portland Chamber of Commerce, Portland Boys Club, and United Way.

While his life was marked with numerous personal and business accomplishments, Jim would be the first to share his love of his wife, family, and faith. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty; his devoted children Mary Elizabeth Bleas (Michael), James Joseph Kilbride (Donna), Michael Patrick Kilbride (Susan), and Kathleen Kilbride Schaefer (Peter); his grandchildren Colby James Kilbride, Taylor Emmory Kilbride, Christopher James Anderson, Ashley Elizabeth Anderson, Dr. Grace Kilbride Schaefer Bennett and her husband Andrew, Dr. Peter James Schaefer and his wife McKenna, Charles Jamison Schaefer, Hannah Margaret Schaefer, James John Schaefer, and Mary Elizabeth Schaefer; and his great granddaughter Anne Schaefer Bennett. He is pre-deceased by his father Joseph A. and mother Gertrude C. nee Burns.