James Austin Rich, 66, of Thomaston, passed away peacefully Sunday May 12th at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the late Richard Joseph and Eugenia Elizabeth Rich, on July 28, 1946 in Brussels, Belgium. James graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Yusko, of Linden, New Jersey on December 5, 1969. Jim was a man of many trades. He was a master electrician and a member of the local painters union in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Jim served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the ship, U.S.S. Essex. He worked for the town 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 Jennifer Carver and her husband Joel of Clinton Grandchildren, Rebecca Rich of Auburn Kayden and Annabelle Rich of Sebago Richard Rich of Clinton Visiting hours will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday May 16th at the Hall Funeral Home, 78 Main Street in Thomaston. A graveside service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held 11 a.m. May 17th at the Village Cemetery in Thomaston. Pastor 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, 78 Main Street, Thomaston, Maine.