WALDOBORO — James M. Demmons, 63, died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 28, 2016, at home.

Born in Rockland on 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 held several positions during his 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 “high-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 his son, Brandon Demmons and his wife, Katherine, and their daughter, Katieann Demmons, all of Augusta; his former wife, Carol Staples of Thomaston; his 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; a sister, Delores Demmons of Rockland; his stepchildren, Darren Webb and his wife, Jessica, of Rockland, Heidie Webb of Palm Coast, Fla., and Crystal Ausplund and her husband, Peter, of South Thomaston; as well as many nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, July 7, from noon to 1 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 1 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. There will be a celebration of life following the memorial service at American Legion Post No. 37 in Thomaston. Please bring a dish to share. Private interment at a later date will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in 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.