THOMASTON — James Austin Rich, 66, of Thomaston, passed away peacefully May 12 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the late Richard Joseph and Eugenia Elizabeth Rich July 28, 1946, in Brussels, Belgium. James graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, N.J. in 1964.

He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Yusko of Linden, N.J., Dec. 5, 1969. Jim was a man of many trades. He was a master electrician and a member of the local painters union in Elizabeth, N.J. Jim served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Essex. He worked for the city of Rockland as the director of the landfill. He was also employed at Cianbro Cement Plant and was the building engineer at Shore Village Nursing Home in Rockland. He was a life member of the VFW, American Legion and Anah Shriner's Temple in Bangor.

Jim was a loving husband, devoted father and proud grandfather. Spending time with his family and being outdoors were his favorite pastimes. Jim was a true sportsman. Hunting was his biggest passion. You would often catch him watching the wildlife in his backyard, just itching for the hunting season to begin.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carol Rich of Thomaston; his children, Joseph Rich and his wife, Tracey, of Auburn, Kempton Rich and his wife, Christina, of Sebago, and Jennifer Carver and her husband, Joel, of Clinton; his grandchildren, Rebecca Rich of Auburn, Kayden and Annabelle Rich of Sebago and Richard Rich of Clinton.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home, 78 Main St. in Thomaston. A graveside service to celebrate Jim's life will be held Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Village Cemetery in Thomaston. The Rev. Tom Rawley will officiate.

You are invited to share your condolences with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Thomaston.