Jim Leighton Celebration of Life

Join us as we remember and honor Jim Leighton, past Board Member of the Homestead. The celebration will be from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm in our new Community Education Center (timber frame) building at the Homestead. All are invited, and Jim’s musical friends are urged to bring their instruments!

Jim Leighton was born in Caribou, raised in Limestone, graduated valedictorian from Northern Maine Technical College (majoring in computer sciences) and studied at the University of Maine–Presque Isle night school while working full-time.  His early employment started as a systems design engineer for Fred Vihlsing, Jr. at Maine Sugar Industries.  At one time, Jim operated in 16 different computer languages fluently and with RVM Data developed the first computer programs for scheduling classes in schools as well as special applications for many large companies.  He also served in the Division of Special Investigations for the Maine State Police and 20 years at Sears Roebuck & Co. as loss-prevention manager for New England.  Since retiring in 1999, Jim keeps busy repairing, restoring and maintaining commercial vehicles including vintage cars.  His gift of music started with guitar and vocals in the family’s country and folk music band, and then about 2007 he dropped the guitar for 5-string banjo and mostly bluegrass music.  Jim has been invaluable in the restoration and maintenance of Curran Farm equipment and crowd-pleasing musical entertainment at its’ public events.