ENGLEWOOD, Fla. – James Lucien Auger, 65, of South Portland, died on Feb. 27, in Englewood, Fla., with his loving wife by his side.

He was born on March 8, 1943, in Lewiston, the son of Lucien Noel and Emilienne H. (Giguere) Auger. Jim attended grammar school in Lewiston and was a 1961 graduate of Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, Conn.

He was a former communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church in South Portland. On Sept. 21, 1984, he married the former Mary G. Hynds at Holy Cross Church. He served his country for 28 years in the Army Reserves Biddeford-Saco 1033rd, retiring as a master sergeant E8.

He first started out working for Crucible Steel out of Massachusetts, selling crucibles all over New England. After moving to Portland, he went on to own Russell’s Smoke Shop and the Village Green Smoke Shop at Monument Square in Portland for 10 years. After the smoke shops, he worked as an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance and then for Allstate Insurance. After retirement, he worked as a special education bus driver in South Portland.

He was part of many organizations. He was a former officer and treasurer for many years at the Elks B.P.O.E Portland Lodge No.188, a member of the American Legion Harold T. Andrews Post, the Italian Heritage Center, the Portland Eagles Club and was a past trustee of the Portland Water District.

He loved playing card games, especially poker and cribbage. He adored karaoke. He and a few of his friends started a group called “The Back Bay Boys” and had a great time singing at the Italian Heritage Center.

He was a very loving and wonderful husband, as well as a loving and dedicated son. He loved to laugh and always had a joke to share. His fondest memories are those that he shared with his family and friends. He will be so missed by so many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Mary Hynds Auger; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.