1949 – 2012

AUBURN — James Richard (Jim) Bazinet, 63, of 5 Judith St., Lewiston, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 25, surrounded by his family, after a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer.

He was born on April 28, 1949, in Lewiston, the son of Eugene L. and Lucille M. (Nadeau) Bazinet.He was the oldest of four children.

Jim attended Saint Croix Elementary School and was a graduate of St. Dominic’s Regional High School, Class of 1967. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Maine, Farmington, and a Master of Science degree in educational leadership from the University of Southern Maine.

Jim leaves his soul mate of 38 years, Theresa Anna (Caron), whom he married on July 26, 1974.He is survived by the joy of his life and his best friend, his son, Steven J. Bazinet and Lisa LeBlanc of Dedham, Mass.Jim is also survived by his brother, Daniel P. Bazinet and wife, Lisa of San Francisco, Calif.; and two sisters, Nancy L. Ferryall and husband, Charles of Newburgh, N.Y., and Louise S. Woods and husband, Edwin of Lewiston; and his sister-in-law, Linda Bazinet of Holden, Mass.He also leaves behind several aunts; uncles; nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

He was predeceased by his parents, most recently his mother, just a month ago.

Jim (Mr. B. to his students) taught in the Lewiston school system for “39.8” years. He began his career at St. Mary’s Public School in the Title VII Bilingual Program and from there he entered the Lewiston Public School system as a thirdgrade teacher at Holy Family Elementary School, where he taught for a few years. Mr. B was best known for his many years teaching at Montello Elementary School. While at Montello School, Mr. B strived to expand learning outside of the classroom via annual field trips, which included trips to the ocean, the state capital, Boston and skating parties. These trips were financed through various fundraisers that he created and implemented, such as Hershey Kiss-o-gram’s, Valentine’s Day carnation sales, academic triathlons and his school store. He believed that these fundraisers gave his students the real-life experience and value of working towards and achieving a goal. Mr. B served on a variety of school system curriculum committees and was the Fifth Grade Team Leader. He also coached 5/6 grade basketball.He received two school board citations for teaching excellence and was the recipient of the Great American Teacher Award sponsored by Waldenbooks. He published “Writing…Taking a closer look at Student Motivation” at the U. of Southern Maine, Gorham.He was active on the national scale in Junior Achievement, receiving the Leadership Award from the National Business Leadership Conference.He also taught Microsoft-based computer courses part-time for 10 years at the Lewiston/Auburn College, where he met great people, both staff and students.

He was a member of the Lewiston and Auburn Jaycees, participated in the Holy Family Booster Club and was a regular presenter at the Annual Chamber Career Day. He received the Outstanding Young Man Award by both the Lewiston/Auburn Jaycees and the Maine State Jaycees. Among his accomplishments, he was selected as the first local program director for the Junior Achievement Program and listed in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.”

Jim enjoyed traveling and especially his trips to Disneyworld and a recent trip to Hawaii.He had a lifelong interest in politics and was a fervent messenger of his opinions.He was an avid sports fan and was especially supportive of local hockey teams and the Boston Red Sox. Jim attended many games with his son, Steven. Family and friends will always remember Jim both for his sense of humor and his strong dedication to his family. Mr. B may be best remembered in the community for his love and passion of teaching. Mr. B was adored by his students and admired by his colleagues.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Bazinet family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com or in person at the Memorial Service on Sunday, where they request that both family and friends come forward and share fond memories and anecdotes with us all.