James W. Begin

WATERVILLE – James W. Begin, 81, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Jim was born to Leandre (Tony) Begin and Edith (Noonan) Begin, on May 1, 1943. He was later adopted by his paternal grandmother, Alphonsine (Grondin) Begin.

He attended St. Joseph’s middle school and was a graduate of Waterville High School’s Class of 1961. He then went on to graduate from Colby College in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in business and an associate’s in engineering. Jim served in the United States Army as infantry, before being honorably discharged in 1968.

He worked for Warnaco Men’s Apparel, D.B.A. Hathaway Shirt Company for 32 years. Starting as a shipping clerk in 1961, Jim continued full employment while attending Colby College. He held various manufacturing positions from Assistant Plant Manager in Puerto Rico to Industrial Engineering, before retiring in 1994 as Director of Quality Assurance, Contracting, and Research and Development at Warnaco Men’s Apparel. Jim was also a tennis instructor at Champion Fitness, as well as a coach at Waterville Senior High School, Thomas College, and Colby College.

He was predeceased by his parents, adoptive mother; sister Florence Blouin; uncles Noel, Richard, and Roland Begin with whom he grew up; and many dear cousins.

Jim is survived by his life partner, Pamela Strong of Waterville, sisters Anita Winters of Oakland and Carol Jean Fitterling of Missouri, brother Daniel Bebe of Missouri; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove Street, Waterville.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Waterville Senior High School for the Alphonsine Begin Memorial Tennis Trust Fund

1 Brooklyn Ave.

Waterville, ME 04901