James Sears

Bangor, Maine - James W. Sears, 80, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Bangor. He was born on July 14, 1945, in Lockport, New York, the son of Loren and Eva May (Kelly) Sears.

James graduated from Barker High School, NY, class of 1963. He then studied physical therapy at Ithaca College, during which time he met Patricia Mapes. They were married on August 27, 1966, and moved to New York City, where James completed his internship for his Bachelor of Science degree. In 1968, the couple moved to Italy, where James studied for his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Bologna. In 1971, they had their first daughter, Jeanne Marie. Following James' graduation in 1975, they returned to the United States. He completed his medical internship in Flint, Michigan, and then his residency in neurology at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. In 1981, James and Patricia welcomed their second daughter, Anne Marie, shortly after moving to Bangor, Maine, where James joined Neurology Associates of Eastern Maine. During his career in neurology, James specialized in EEG, EMG and sleep medicine, opening the first sleep lab in the Greater Bangor Area. Jim had a wide variety of interests. He enjoyed learning how to fly small airplanes. He was an avid fan of music, opera and art. He especially cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Patricia (Mapes) Sears, are his brother, David Sears of Texas; daughter, Jeanne Riese and her husband, Gregory, of Bangor; daughter, Anne Marie Sears and her partner, Matthew McKillop, of Swanville; four grandchildren, Noah D'Alessio and his wife, Alyssa, of Lewiston, Cassidy D'Alessio of Brewer, Quinn D'Alessio of Orono, Sadie Riese of Bangor; and multiple loving sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at All Soul's Congregational Church, 10 Broadway, Bangor with reception following in the vestry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.