CUSHING — James H. “Jim” Cooley, 78, of Cushing (formerly of Northborough, Massachusetts) passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Pen Bay Medical Center with his longtime life-partner, Darlene Hart, by his side. Jim had been navigating a period of declining health.

He was the son of the late Edward A. and Mildred H. (Drew) Cooley and maintained deep family ties to the town of Northborough. Jim was predeceased by his three brothers: Ronald L. Cooley (1968), Edward A. Cooley (2019), and most recently, Robert V. Cooley (February 2026).

Known to his closest friends as “Merle” or “Herb,” Jim worked for Zecco Brothers Inc. for many years before becoming a self-employed carpenter. An exceptional craftsman, he built many additions, decks, and homes, including several in the Vanessa Drive neighborhood of Northborough. As a business owner for more than 40 years, he found the most joy in finish carpentry, which he executed with meticulous perfection.

Jim was incredibly generous with his skills, donating his time to build the snack shack at Memorial Field and leading a large renovation project at St. Bernadette School. A true history buff with a special interest for wartime events. In the early morning hours, you would find him at Mike’s Donut Shop, "chumming it up" with other tradesmen before heading out for a long day's work. In the evenings, he loved nothing more than a good meal and a Coors Light at the Steakloft. After decades in Massachusetts, Jim moved to Maine over twenty years ago, where he continued to build homes, complete renovations, and form many lasting friendships in the community.

Jim is survived by his longtime life-partner, Darlene Hart; his eight children: Kevin (Priscila) Cooley of Northborough, Jim (Allison) Cooley of Pembroke, Massachusetts, Samantha (Nathan) Sawyer of Northborough, Veronica (Jay) Perry of Raleigh, North Carolina, Michael (Elise) Cooley of Kiawah Island, South Carolina, Bobby (Shawna) Cooley of Austin, Texas, David Cooley (Jessica) of Northborough, and Vanessa (Anthony) Muccio of Northborough. He also leaves behind two stepdaughters, Amy (Stephen) Young of Stockton Springs, Maine, and Diane Hart of Owls Head, Maine. He will be fondly remembered by his 18 tremendous grandchildren, ranging in age from 20 years to 4 months, and by many friends across the Rockland, Maine, and Northborough communities.

Jim’s life will be celebrated in the spring at a local venue in Northborough, followed by a private burial at Howard Street Cemetery per his request. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for him over the last few months, especially the medical team at Pen Bay Medical Center.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Jim's name to the SPC Brian Arsenault Memorial Fund, KIA OEF 2014 (C/O Central One Federal Credit Union, 148 Main Street, Northborough, MA 01532) or P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center in Camden, ME (www.pawscares.org).

Those who would like to share a memory or condolence with Jim’s family please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.