Togus – Peter Putnam James, 60, of Auburn, passed away March 29, at the Veterans’ Hospital after a long illness.

He was born in Lewiston on Aug. 13, 1945, a son of John A. and Barbara (Moore) James. He attended Auburn schools and Hebron Academy. He was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force serving at bases in Minnesota and Maine. He also served as a helicopter pilot in The Maine Air National Guard. He had a lifelong love of flying, earning his pilots license from Twitchell’s Airport at the age of 16.

He flew for Downeast Airlines and was a flight instructor at the Auburn-Lewiston, Rockland and Old Town airports. He was especially proud of his participation as an associate member of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.

He was a voracious reader enjoying eclectic selections from many libraries. He was a kind friend to those who shared his surroundings at the Veterans’ Hospital. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the caring staff who looked after Peter in his final days.

He is survived by his father, John A James of Auburn; two brothers, Richard of Auburn and Jonathan and his wife, Mary, of Auburn; three sisters, Judith Upham and her husband, Thomas of Wilton, Susan Dowe and her husband, James, of Bangor and Barbara Mora and her husband, Gilbert, of Silver City, N.M., seven nieces; seven nephews; one grandniece; and one grandnephew.

He was predeceased by his mother, Barbara James.

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