James Mardin at the Maine Military Museum

According to the Maine Military Museum, As a World War II soldier, he landed in Normandy soon after D-Day and fought in the historic Battle of the Bulge. During the Battle of the Bulge, James became separated because he was in an aide station. Going AWOL, he hitchhiked through Europe to rejoin his unit (he really did!). The war ended with him in Czechoslovakia while German troops were advancing on his position. James has dedicated his time to volunteer activities, which most of us would call jobs. He flew small planes for the Civil Air Patrol, served Maine State Police as a dispatcher, was a guide at Maine Medical Center, helped build the Hills Beach Fire Department, and greatly assisted the curator at Maine Military Museum. His volunteer service continues weekly at the Maine Military Museum, where he talks about his life and service and poses for photographs with the museum guests. Although we call Jim our living artifact, a WWII veteran, and a lifelong volunteer, what we like best about Jim is that he is our friend. He is there to listen to you, tell you ’bout the ole times. You cannot see Jim without his infectious smile, and you cannot see Jim without smiling yourself.