James Haff Mapes

James Haff Mapes, a Life Long Resident of Swanton, VT, 95, passed peacefully in his sleep on March 26, 2026 at Homestead Senior Living, in St. Albans. James was born on December 18, 1930 to Frederick and Virginia Mapes in St. Albans. He was married on July 13, 1951 in Key West, FL, to the love of his life Doris Joan Zimmerman who predeceased him on June 1, 2020. They resided for many years at a third generation family home at 43 Grand Ave. Swanton until retiring to their new home they built in the woods off Donaldson Road where they enjoyed meals on the porch watching the wildlife and feeding birds.

James attended St. Lawrence University for a short time before joining the United States Navy. He served during the Korean War as Sonarman Third Class aboard the USS Hale, a destroyer homeported in Key West, FL, operating with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean.

Jim and Doris resided for a short time in Harrisburg, PA, where her parents lived until 1959 when they returned to the Mapes/Haff family home at 43 Grand Ave. in Swanton. He then became a U S Customs Inspector serving many ports in northern VT. He retired from service in 1985. Jim and Doris loved tending his vegetable gardens, enjoying nature and traveling throughout New England. He was an avid reader of Civil War non fiction and had an enormous library which he donated to the Adams County Historic Society in Gettysburg, PA, a place he loved to visit.

On December 18, 2025 the Village of Swanton proclaimed the day James H. Mapes Day an honor he was proud to receive.

Jim is survived by his daughter Jill Coleman and husband Phil of Biglerville, PA, son Kim and wife Maureen of West Swanton, son Scott of Burlington, daughter Kelly and husband Goldie of St. Albans and son Adam and wife Lisa of St. Albans. He is survived by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by their first son Jack, his brother Frank and daughter in law Stephanie (Scott).

The Family would like to add a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Homestead and Bayada Hospice for their outstanding care.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in James H. Mapes memory to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1436, Williston, VT 05495

In keeping with his wishes a private burial will be held at the family’s convenience at Riverside Cemetery in Swanton.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com