THOMASTON — James W. 'Jim' Caven, 78, died peacefully March 4, 2014, with his family at his side, at his home.

Born Jan. 8, 1936, he was the son of James L. and Madelyn Haskell Caven. Jim grew up on Clark Island, and attended Rockland schools.

Enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps at a young age, Jim served proudly while stationed overseas in Korea, England and Cuba.

Returning to Rockland, Jim began his employment as a commercial fisherman.

Changing careers, Jim became an over-the-road truck driver. For many years he drove for Ranger Trucking Company, and most recently was very proud to have driven for Meklin Construction Company.

Jim was a member of the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland, the V.F.W. and the Masons, where he helped with the weekly bingo games.

Later in life Jim married Sylvia Knight. They have lived together in Thomaston for several years. He was an avid outdoorsmen and loved hunting. Watching NASCAR, especially his favorite driver Kyle Busch, was another favorite pastime. He loved watching the New England Patriots, and any other sports game he could place a bet on. He took great joy in spending time with his family, having cook-outs and being with his grandchildren.

Jim’s daughter said he loved being in his “office,” where he could often be found sitting cross-legged on his bed watching the birds outside his window.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Predeceased by a brother, Walter “Brud” Webel; and a sister, Nancy; Jim is survived by his wife, Sylvia Knight Caven of Thomaston; his children, James “Jimmy” Caven of Tennessee, Charles “Chucky” Caven of New Bedford, Mass., Richard Rytky of Warren, Frank Rytky and his wife, Karen, of Cushing, Darren Cox and his wife, Cindy, of Cushing, Walter Caven and his companion, Suzanne Gardner, of Rockland, Eleanor Stone and her husband, David, of Owls Head, Aleisa Roach and her husband, Mark, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Candy Caven of Tampa, Fla.; his step-children, Libby, Walter “Eric” Cox, Dottie Boyce and her husband, Robert,  and several other step-children; his sisters, Alice Fowlie of Glen Cove and June Anderson of New Hampshire; his former wife, with whom he remained friends, Sandra Lee Caven of Rockland; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 13, at 1 p.m. Interment will be held in the spring at Wiley's Corner Cemetery in St. George.