James Maurice Violette, 67, of Nobleboro, died March 1 at home after a 14-year courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 18, 1947 in Westbrook, the son of Esther and Maurice Violette.
As his father served in the Navy, the family lived in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Newfoundland, and Virginia, before settling in Augusta, where he graduated from Cony High School in 1965. He received a B.S. in 1969 from the University of Maine at Farmington where he met his bride Martha Johnston and married her Aug. 16, 1969. He later went on to receive his Masters of Education from the University of ME, Orono.
Jim was first and foremost a teacher and advocate of education. He worked to strengthen his own teaching skills and have a positive influence on his profession wherever he could. His efforts were entirely dedicated to investing in the lives and future of his students through teaching.
Jim taught social studies, history, and geography for 32 years in the public schools at Lisbon Falls, Jefferson, and Belfast where he taught both at Crosby Junior High and Belfast Area High School. During his teaching career, he also coached various student basketball and softball teams, continuing his passion with sports to umpire softball and announce high school football.
Jim retired from the Maine public school system in 2002 but continued to teach at the University of Maine in Rockland until 2012 and at Coastal Senior College until 2014, and through volunteering at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle. Retirement gave Jim more time to hone his golf game.
His dry sense of humor kept his family and friends in stitches. He was always a champion for the underdog and enriched the lives around him. His compassion for students made a lasting impression.
Jim was a caring husband, devoted father and a good friend. He will be missed.
Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Martha Violette; daughters, Amanda Violette of Fairfax, Va., and Alison Violette of Scarborough; sister, Patricia Violette of Quincy, Mass.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be 5-8 p.m., Fri., March 6 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. The funeral service will be held at the Waldoboro First Baptist Church at 1 p.m., Sat., March 7 with a reception to follow. Burial at the Old German Cemetery will be announced in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in James Violette’s memory to the Prostate Cancer Foundation at www.pcf.org or mailed to Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1250 Fourth St., Santa Monica, CA 90401.
You are invited to share your condolences with the Violette family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.