SOUTH PARIS – James E. St. John lost his battle to Parkinson’s disease and passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 2, 2022, at his home with his loving wife and their special friend by his side.

He was born October 8, 1950, in Norway to George H. and Reta M. Pike St. John. Jim grew up in Harrison and graduated from Oxford Hills High School, Class of 1968. He played basketball and ran track and field. After high school Jim worked for Bourden Scribner in his mill, George Morrill of Morrill Auctions of which he became very knowledgeable of antiques. Jim moved on from full-time auction business to work as a property manager for Speedway Inc./Madison Avenue Associates and after thirty-plus years he retired. While working for Speedway Inc./ Madison Avenue he also managed the tire concession business for Bob Bahre covering the NASCAR Busch North Series races. He became a NASCAR official at these races working in timing and scoring and was very good at it.

Racing was one of his many interests. Jim’s other interests were hunting, fly fishing, golfing and he loved a good game of cribbage. In his youth water ski- ing was something he enjoyed. He taught water skiing at Camp Pinecliffe in Harrison. He was known to be seen barefoot skiing on Crystal Lake.

Family and friends were very important to Jim, he was always there to help when there was a need. Never the loudest, but always there no matter what. He found great joy in celebrating other people. He did all that he did because of his love not because of what he could gain. In return he did gain the love and respect of his family and friends. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was very proud of them all.

He leaves behind his wife Donita who gave him the strength, love and support to help him smile through the difficult stages of the life he was facing; daughters Amanda St. John of Portland, Briana (Paul) Apgar of York and Courtney (Justin) Thompson of Rollinsford, N.H.; stepdaughters Shelley (Fred) Johnson of Bryant Pond and Michelle (Rusty) Brown of Turner. His most special grandchildren Nicholas and Tehya Johnson, Matthew Brown, Cyndal and Loki Thompson, and Evelyn and Hazel Apgar; as well as his brothers Dale (Becky) St. John and Richard (Melissa) St. John; his sister Betty Hazelton; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Reta; his brother Ronald; and sister Wanda; and brother-in-law Tony Hazelton.

The family wishes to thank Stephens Memorial Hospital and staff and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their loving care and tremendous support as well as the help, love and support from our friends and neighbors on this very difficult journey.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date and time to be announced.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main Street, South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com