AUBURN — James Joseph Cieslak, 70, a resident of Warren Hill, Jay, died Sunday, Dec. 23, at Hospice House of Androscoggin.

He was born Aug. 24, 1942, in Gary, Ind., the son of Chester and Mary Ann (Rush) Cieslak. He grew up in Indianapolis, Ind., and attended Holy Cross Catholic School and the Latin School of America.

In 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Bangor, trained in the Military Police Canine Unit and was honorably discharged in 1965.

He married Judy (Poulin) Cieslak, his best friend and soul mate on Oct. 24, 1964, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay. They recently celebrated 48 years of marriage. Jim worked at the IP for 38 years, retiring in March 2003. He was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church in Jay and taught religious education for several years.

Jim loved the outdoors and was an avid fly fisherman who became the president of the Carrie Stevens Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and member of the Veazie Atlantic Salmon Club, he was also a member of the IP Quarter Century Club and a life member of the AmVets Post 33 in Jay. Jim loved to fish the trophy waters of the Rapid River. Jim enjoyed springtime and spending his time collecting sap and making maple syrup. Jim, also, loved and had a strong passion for his flower beds, and vegetable garden, which would take the breath away from all who saw and experienced the passion of his work and determination.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Cieslak of Jay; his daughter, Dawn Perreault and husband, Derek, of Hinsburg, Vt.; his daughter, Marcy Clark and husband, Richard, of Buckfield; his son, Ryan Cieslak and fiancée, Rhonda Brown, of Lewiston; and his four grandchildren, Eric and Michelle Crowley and Matthew and Morgan Cieslak.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.