James "Jim" Michaud

James "Jim" Michaud passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, at Market Street Memory Care in Palm Coast, Florida, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was 88 years old. Born July 8,1936 in Presque Isle, Maine, Jim was the second child of Leon and Yvonne Michaud. He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Korean War. After his service, he attended Aroostook County Teachers College and then transferred to the University of Maine at Orono on the GI Bill before earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts. Jim began his career by opening an optometry practice in Gardiner, Maine, where he and his beloved wife of 64 years, Norma Varney, settled and raised their family of three children. He was a devoted husband, father, and provider who prioritized family. From annual vacations to Florida, Quebec for skiing, and Cross Lake, to summers spent at their camp on Damariscotta Lake, Jim shared his love for water skiing, fishing, hunting, and sailing with his children. After retiring in 2009 and selling his practice, Jim and Norma enjoyed winters in St. Augustine, Florida and summers in Maine. They spent their time golfing, gardening, and making cherished memories with family and friends. Jim was deeply proud of his Navy service and could often be found wearing Navy apparel. He was a member of the American Optometric Association for over 60 years, past president of the Maine Optometric Association, an active member of the Gardiner Lions Club, and a member of the Calumet Club in Augusta. A devout Catholic, Jim was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Gardiner. He passed down his passions for golf, fishing, hunting, and gardening to his children and grandchildren. Known for his "gift of gab" Jim, Grampy as he was affectionately called by them, delighted in telling stories making them laugh, and sharing his musical talents-whether playing the piano, organ, or spoons. Jim is survived by his wife, Norma; two daughters, Brenda Michaud and Kathy Purington; his special son-in-law Bill Purington; grandchildren William Purington II (wife Ashley), Monica Grohne, Kendra Soboleski, Blake Soboleski, and Jocelyn Rice; and great-grandchildren William Purington III and Wesley Sherry. He also leaves behind his brothers, Gene Michaud and Charles Michaud (Valeda). Jim was predeceased by his beloved son, Bruce Michaud and sister-in-law Carolyn Michaud. A celebration of Jim's life will be 11:00AM-1:00PM Sunday, July 27 at the Augusta Country Club in Augusta, Maine. He will be laid to rest alongside his son Bruce at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Heritage Funeral and Cremation is in charge of his arrangements.