James M. Demmons, 63, of Waldoboro, died suddenly and unexpectedly at home June 28.
Born in Rockland, Aug. 3, 1952, he was the son of Carroll and Agnus Hoar Demmons. Jim’s parents both passed away when he was a young man and he continued through school on his own. Educated locally, he was a 1971 graduate of Rockland High School.
Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam era. Serving for four years he was honorably discharged in 1975.
Returning to civilian life, Jim married Carol Staples in Rockland on Sept. 6, 1980. Together they made their home in Rockland and Thomaston where they raised their son Brandon.
Always a hard worker, Jim has held several positions over his working career. He began working at Manset Marine in Rockland, later moving to Puffin Stop on Park Street in Rockland. For several years he served customers there with a smile and a friendly word. During the latter part of his career, Jim was known by many in Rockland as the assistant manager of the seafood department at Hannaford. He was employed there until the late 2000s when he was blessed to have won a Megabucks Lottery. Jim’s son said he was always thinking of others, working hard to provide for his family, and the winnings afforded him the opportunity to relax and enjoy time with his family and friends during retirement. He used this time to teach himself to golf and hone his fishing skills.
He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 37 in Thomaston, as well as the Rockland Lodge of Elks.
Jim’s number one priority was his granddaughter, Katieann. He was over the moon when she was born and was proud to be one of the first to meet her. She was his pride and joy and he lived to make her happy. Often he would drop everything he was doing to make the trip to Augusta to spend time with her, always bringing her a stuffed animal. He loved teaching her things, especially how to give ‘hi-fives’ and ‘fist-bumps.’ Jim was looking forward to the birth of his second grandchild, a boy named Lucas James Brandon Demmons, in a few weeks.
His passing leaves a tremendous hole in the hearts of all who loved him.
Predeceased by one brother, George Demmons in 1996; Jim is survived by son Brandon Demmons and wife Katherine and their daughter Katieann Demmons, all of Augusta; former wife, Carol Staples of Thomaston; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vernon and Vicki Demmons of Florida, Leslie ‘Les’ and Kathy Demmons of Waldoboro, Garold and Priscilla Demmons of Rockland, William ‘Bill’ and Bernadette Demmons of Warren, and Blaine and Rebecca Demmons of Bangor; sister, Delores Demmons of Rockland; stepchildren, Darren Webb and wife Jessica of Rockland, Heidie Webb of Palm Coast, Fla., and Crystal Ausplund and husband Peter of South Thomaston; as well as many nieces and nephews and a large extended family.
A memorial service was held July 7 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland. Private interment at a later date will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta.
Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Maine Kid’s Cancer Fund, c/o Rockland Lodge of Elks, P.O. Box 983, Rockland, ME 04841.
To share a memory or condolence with Demmons family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
