Obituary of James T. Dinnan

The Barncastle Restaurant in Blue Hill will host a Celebration of Life for James Tracy Dinnan, on Sunday, June 30th, 2019, from 2 to 4 pm. Jim was born on February 10, 1949 and passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, December 8, 2018. He was an accomplished carpenter, loving family member, and dear friend to many. Join friends and family from near and far in sharing stories, songs and photos that celebrate and honor his life. The ceremony will be informal, and refreshments and light fare will be provided. The Barncastle is located at 125 South Street, Blue Hill, Maine. James Tracy Dinnan, age 69, of Penobscot, Maine, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine with both sons by his side. James was born on February 10, 1949, in Meriden, Connecticut to John and Eleanor Dinnan. He was the eldest of six children. After high school, Jim moved to Maine, graduating from the University of Maine at Orono in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in Forestry. He was an accomplished contractor, building beautiful homes throughout the Blue Hill Peninsula and Deer Isle. Jim was an avid outdoorsmen, as a child playing in the wooded ravines near home, and later in life hiking and fishing. He would often climb Blue Hill Mountain at sunrise on his way to work, or ride his bike along the Reach during lunch. He shared his love for nature with many, including his beloved dogs. His cabin and garden were a magical place for the children in his life. His deep work ethic was surpassed by his generosity and commitment to help others. He was known to drive many hours to help a friend chop wood or build a deck, or to patch their leaking roof. Above all else, he loved connecting and visiting with his family, who were scattered from Nova Scotia to Alaska and many points in between. His deep laugh was contagious, his hugs disarming, and his letters touching. Friend, Brother, Uncle and Grampa Jim will be remembered for his tender, kind, and loving way. He is survived by his dear friend and mother of his sons, Margie Lutz; his sons Oliver and Eric Lutz, and their spouses and children; his siblings Terry, Mary, Debbie, Chris, and Jed, and their loving spouses, children, and grandchildren. He will also be deeply missed by his lifelong friend Mark Lutz and his extended family. Jim will be remembered by countless friends, and his cat, Sweetie. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Great Pond Mountain Conservation Trust PO Box 266, Orland, ME 04472, toward preserving and protecting this place that was dear to his heart. An informal celebration of life will be held at a later date.