ROCKPORT — James “Jim” E. Annis, 81, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 at the Sussman House in Rockport. 

Jim was born on December 16, 1942, in Morristown, New Jersey, and soon after his birth, his family returned to Rockport, where he grew up surrounded by his large extended family in the “Simonton’s Corner” neighborhood.

Jim attended Rockport High School and graduated in 1961. He was an exceptional athlete, leading his basketball team to the state tournament championship game and winning an award as the tournament MVP. After high school, Jim attended Maine Maritime Academy for a short time, and then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for four years.

Jim and his wife, Linda, whom he married in 1966, raised three children in Rockport, and Jim worked as a cable splicer for the telephone company (New England Telephone and its later iterations) for over 30 years. Never one to sit idle, Jim continued to work after his retirement, for as long as he was physically able, at Goose River Golf Course and at the Camden-Rockport Transfer Station.

Jim was very active in his community, easily forming connections with others as he shared his quick wit, generosity, and common-sense perspective. He could make conversation with anyone he met, sometimes to the dismay of anyone who was waiting for him! An outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and helping make maple syrup with his good friends in the “Sugar Shack,” he enjoyed any type of outdoor work. Jim’s lawn was a thing of beauty, and his woodpile was stacked perfectly. He was also the first to help anyone who needed a hand - he could fix just about anything, would give anyone a ride anywhere, and helped his friends and family with anything they needed.

He was intelligent and took pleasure in learning new things, and he was always up for a spirited conversation or a good debate. His competitive side would come out when playing cribbage, and he was always up for a cold beer or a well-made gin and tonic. Jim was also known for his colorful expressions and sharp sense of humor. Of all the things he loved and devoted his time to (and there were many), his family and friends were always at the top of the list.

Jim was very involved in town politics throughout his life, serving on the Rockport Board of Selectmen for many years (with a short break when he moved to Hope, where he served on the Hope Select Board). Jim also served on the Board of Directors of the Transfer Station, and was a member of the Rockport Masonic Lodge, the Kora Shriners, and the Rockland Elks Club.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, John and Vi Annis; his sisters-in-law, Carole-Ann Annis and Patricia Hamalainen; and his brother-in-law, Howard Hamalainen.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Annis; his brother, John Annis; his children, Elizabeth Boetsch and her husband Paul, Becky Johnson and her husband Parker, and Patrick Annis and his wife Kerry; his grandchildren, Hannah, Abby, James, Eliza, Lucas, and Alley; his great-granddaughter, Norah; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on July 25, 2024, at 2 p.m., at the Rockport Masonic Center in Rockport, Maine, as we remember, honor, and celebrate Jim together.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Sussman House, at https://www.mainehealth.org/pen-bay-medical-center/care-services/hospice-care-sussman-house.

Condolences may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.