James Ian Gaudet, 86, of Harpswell, died on May 13 at Hill House in Bath, after a long, brave battle with Alzheimer’s.
Jim was born on March 20, 1938, in Rumford, to William Fred Gaudet and Ruth Dorothy Mills Gaudet. He attended Harpswell schools and graduated from Brunswick High School in 1957. He served in the Army and was discharged in 1963.
He worked at Randall’s Body Shop, where he practiced many of his skills and talents repairing cars. He also worked with Arnie LeMay, doing everything from sanding roads in the winter to digging graves in the local cemeteries, and lunching with Arnie at the Dolphin Marina almost every day. For many years, Jim worked at the Brunswick Naval Air Station plowing snow off the runways, a job he enjoyed. However, the job closest to his heart was that of a lobsterman.
Every summer, his boat, The Other Woman, could be seen leaving Allen’s Seafood in the early morning hours. For some time, his faithful dog, Ginger, served by his side as his co-captain. When they became old enough, his sons, Jason and Michael, joined him and helped bait traps when they weren’t busy making their patient, quiet father crazy with their antics. Those summer days spent together helped form loving father-son bonds that brightened many of his days. His hunting trips with Jason and his “pet therapy” visits with Michael and his dogs gave Jim many fond memories and smiles.
Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Juliana Simonse Gaudet; sons, Jason Gaudet and his wife Terri, and Michael Gaudet and his wife Tracy; grandchildren, Erin Gaudet, William Gaudet, Jovi Hillman, Sandra Flint, and Heather Merriman; and two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Alex Flint, who never failed to entertain Jim. He also is survived by his brother, Peter; sister, JoAnne; and many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as his loving in-laws, who have been close to him for over half a century.
Jim’s family would like to thank everyone at Hill House Assisted Living for the kind and nurturing care they have provided Jim during these last few months. He especially enjoyed the visits from the resident cats and the many compliments on his beautiful blue eyes. You all made a big difference for Jim and for his family.
A celebration of Jim’s life is planned for Aug. 3, 4 p.m., at 1421 Harpswell Neck Road. Jim’s family hopes to share fond memories of him with his family and friends at that time.
