ROCKPORT — James David Brown, 72, creator and founder of Windsor Chairmakers in Lincolnville Beach, died May 6, 2015, at his home in Rockport. He was born in Pomona, Calif., on Feb. 16, 1943, and was the son of John D. and Eleanor (Cram) Brown.

Jim graduated from Southern Illinois University and shortly after, he moved to Camden. While working here in boatyards in the 1960s, and inspired by his grandfather's woodworking, he had a vision of creating his own furniture and returned to the Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he earned a degree in furniture design. After working in the furniture design industry in High Point, N.C., Jim returned to the Camden area with the desire to design and build traditional American furniture. In 1987, he founded Windsor Chairmakers in Lincolnville Beach, where he has established a quintessential Yankee workshop, designing and building exceptional quality custom furniture made to last forever in a 1800s barn and using the old farmhouse as a showroom. Since then, Jim and the crew at Windsor Chairmakers have crafted furniture for more than 5,500 customers throughout the world. As recognition grew for his Windsor chair design, so did Jim's reputation as a charming and authentic character.

Jim viewed obstacles as challenges, and never let them get him down. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996, he felt a strong responsibility to become educated about it, both for him and in order to help and support others who were newly diagnosed. Jim and Nance saw the need for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers to have mutual support, which led to the creation of the Quarry Hill Parkinson's Support Group in 2003. This was the first support group in the Midcoast area of Maine. Additionally, Jim and Nance were happy to participate in an educational documentary produced by Maine Public Broadcasting Network called Easing the Burden: Parkinson's disease. A second health challenge for Jim led to successful treatment for advanced cancer at Dana Farber in Boston. Even this did not slow him down; all Jim ever wanted to do was go to work every day.

Jim was predeceased by his father, John D. Brown. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Nance (West) Brown; his mother, Eleanor Brown; his sisters, Suzanne Aschoff and Margy Medendorp; three children, Tobias Brown, Treka Graney and David Brown; seven grandchildren; four nieces; and a nephew. He was also the "King of Adventures" for Nance's great-nieces. Jim's life was enriched by many great friendships and he enjoyed telling about his escapades with lifelong pal, Frank Morrey.

During the last year of his advancing illness, Jim was cared for at home by his wife, his grandson, Matt, and caregivers Lola Shaw and Brooke Hallett. His family is also grateful to his physicians, Dr. Eric Schenk and Dr. Gary Usher, as well as the Kno-Wal-Lin hospice program for their support.

A memorial service for Jim will be held Friday May 29 at 1 p.m. at the Rockport Opera House, with the Rev. Dr. Susan Stonestreet officiating.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his memory to Lincolnville Community Library, 208 Main St., Lincolnville Center, Maine 04849; P.A.W.S Animal Adoption Center, P.O. Box 707, Rockport, ME 04856; or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777, or your favorite charity.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.