Obituary
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James Joseph Wallingford

Date of Death: August 6, 2025

Date of Birth: January 15, 1957

Biography:

James J. “Jay” Wallingford
Auburn, Maine
January 15, 1957 – August 6, 2025

James J. Wallingford, known to all who loved him as “Jay”, passed away on August 6 after a courageous battle with kidney disease. He was 68. Jay grew up in West Seneca, New York. In 1974 his family relocated to Windham, Maine.

Jay was a man of fierce passion, unwavering loyalty, and a heart as loud and proud as the Harley Davidson and other motorcycles he loved to ride. His world was filled with the roar of engines and the thunder of heavy metal, a soundtrack that matched the intensity of his spirit. Whether it was Black Sabbath, Guns and Roses or the rumble of the road, Jay embraced life at full volume, which was also expressed through his love of drumming.

At the core of Jay’s life was love for family and his son Axl, who was the pride of his life. He cared for and loved many dogs, and he had an expert green thumb as seen in the thriving plants he nurtured over the years.

Jay worked as a welder at Bath Iron Works. He also ran several thrift shops. Outside of work, he volunteered at the Androscoggin Animal Shelter. His compassion and connection with dogs were evident through many wagging tails.

One of Jay’s most unique trademarks was his extensive and expressive T-shirt collection — each shirt was a tribute to his passions, his music, his bikes, and most of all, his personality. He wore his heart (and humor) on his sleeves, quite literally.

He is predeceased by his father James Wallingford, first mother Carol Stearns, his second mother Judith Anaka Wallingford, and his niece Samantha Colcord-Santamango.

Jay is survived by his beloved son Axl and his wife Lydia (Blue Hill), and by his eight siblings and their partners and children: Karen Shepard (Windham), Mike and Debbie Wallingford (Raymond), Kristen and Greg Kellner (Topsham), Kathleen and Barry Keck (Gray), Bruce and Sylvia Wallingford (Westbrook), Eddie Anaka (Portland), Kap Wallingford and Mark Ranalletti (Freeport), and David Wallingford (Monticello). He was an uncle to many and especially close with his nephew Jason Wallingford.

The family will gather privately to remember Jay over Labor Day weekend — a fitting time to honor a man who worked hard, played hard, and loved deeply.

Jay’s family is grateful for the love and support provided by his extended ‘families’ at Clover Manor and Fresenius Kidney Care Androscoggin, and the end-of-life care provided by  Andwell Hospice House in Auburn, Maine.

Donations in Jay’s memory can be made to the Androscoggin Animal Shelter in Lewiston, Maine — a place he held dear in his heart.

Ride free, Jay. The road ahead is yours. Yes SAHHHH!