LEWISTON – James M. Begert, 61, died on Monday, Nov. 22, at his home with his loving wife Mary and his family at his side.

“Jim” was born in Lewiston on Aug. 2, 1943, the oldest child of William B. and Martine (Martin) Begert. He was a devoted son and brother to Bill, Jane, and Nancy, stepfather to Tim and Kathy, and a wonderful “Bampy” to Ali, TJ, Ryan, Kayla, and Mikey.

He attended schools in Lewiston and Berlin, N.H., graduating from Lewiston High School in 1961. After graduating from Boston University, he entered the Peace Corps, serving for two years in Liberia. He considered his Peace Corps service his proudest achievement and one that changed his life. Following his years in the Peace Corps, he entered the Army and served honorably as a medical corpsman during the Vietnam war.

Later in life, he served as Ward 3 City Councilor in Lewiston for seven years, continuing to serve others and trying to make a difference in whatever way he could.

In 1973, he married Mary Emond and they shared a wonderful, happy life together, whether at home with family and friends, summer days on Sabbathday Lake, on their annual vacation in Aruba, or taking drives in his convertible.

He was a voracious reader, with a thorough knowledge (and opinions) about history and politics. With his dry wit, there were always many things to talk and laugh about when Jim was around. It was he who, in his final days, kept everyone’s spirits up.

In dying as well as living, he was alert, loving, funny, direct, and thoughtful. Trying until the end to “make a difference,” he wanted it said that he thought it was important for stem cell research to continue.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary; his mother, Martine; his stepson and daughter-in-law, Tim and Marcie Yirrell; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Mac Economy; his brother, Bill and sister-in-law, Jody; sister, Jane; sister, Nancy and brother-in-law, Tim Rourke; his grandchildren, Ali Noddin, T.J. and Ryan Economy, and Kayla Yirrell; sisters-in-law, Cathy, Jackie and Bobbi; as well as many nieces and nephews – all of whom loved him very much.

His many friends who will also dearly miss him include; David and Pauline Gray, Marianne Ireland, and Karen Stray-Gundersen.

His daily and loving presence will be sadly missed by his dogs, Fitzy and Clancy.

He was predeceased by his beloved father, William, in 1999.

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