CAMDEN — James Arthur Kierstead, 70, of Camden died Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the Sussman House in Rockport, following a period of declining health. 

Born in Portland on March 3, 1949, he was the son of Sterling L. and Katherine (Millett) Kierstead.  The family moved to Camden in the early 1960s where Jimmy was a member of the Class of 1967 at Camden-Rockport High School.

On September 29, 1967, Jimmy married Linda Marie Colby.

Jimmy was a lifetime master brickmason who owned his own masonry company in town. Examples of his craftsmanship can be seen in the landmarks and buildings throughout Camden, for example, the facade at 37 Bay View Street; the entrance gates to numerous subdivisions, including Quarry Hill; the entrance piers at Oak Hill Cemetery; barbecue cookers in public spaces, such as Point Lookout; and restoration work at the Camden Public Library and Amphitheater.  

Jimmy was a very active member of the Mid Coast community throughout his life.

He served 44 years as a member of the Federal Masonic Lodge No. 6, and was a long-time member of Camden Lion’s Club where received the Melvin Jones award.

His remarkable lifetime of public service included work on the boards of many local organizations.  He was a board member of the Mid-Coast Solid Waste Corporation (2011 - 2018), a member of the Camden Planning Board (1987 - 1999), a Town of Camden Selectman (2005 - 2008), and a member of the Knox County Airport Advisory Board (2008 - 2013).

Jimmy was also a long-time volunteer firefighter serving with the Camden Fire Department’s Atlantic Engine Company No. 2 (1970 - 1997).

With an avid in interest history and patriotism, Jimmy was proud to be part of the original restoration group working on the Mt. Battie Tower in the 1990s.

For many years with the Lion’s Club he placed the American flags along Main and Elm streets in Camden for parades and patriotic holidays.

His family is most proud of his dedication to the military and its veterans. He was an active member of the town’s Veterans’ Honor Roll Committee and worked tirelessly to help raise the funds and develop the design of the Memorial that stands now in the Village Green as a tribute to Camden’s veterans.  

Jimmy loved his town and the people living here and was a walking encyclopedia of the town and its history and inhabitants, and always had a great story to tell about Camden people, places, and things. It was the case that when family and friends had a question about the community that couldn’t be answered, you’d always hear someone say, “ask Jimmy!”

His is survived by Linda Kierstead, his wife of 52 years; two sons, Christopher L. Kierstead and wife Dinah; Andrew J. Kierstead; three grandchildren, Patrick, Christine and Claire; two great-grandchildren, Ella and Juniper; his mother-in-law, Juanita Colby; brother-in-law, Frank Colby and wife Tracy; sister, Kathy Savage and husband Joe; several cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Sterling “Joe” and Carol Kierstead, and sister-in-law, Susan Lewis.

Calling hours will be held from 4 - 6 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden. 

A memorial service followed by a reception will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the First Congregational Church UCC, 55 Elm Street, Camden with the Rev. Dr. Ute Molitor officiating.  Spring burial will be in the Mountain View Cemetery. 

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Sussman House, 40 Anchor Drive, Rockport, ME 04856 or to the Camden Honor Roll, c/o the Town of Camden, P.O. Box 1207, ME 04843. These funds will be used to maintain and update the Honor Roll.

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