John N. Ames

John Nathaniel Ames
March 1, 1935--March 28, 2023
John Nathaniel Ames was born in Bucksport, Maine on March 1, 1935, to Elwood Merrill Ames and Lora (Thurston) Ames. After a long battle with several debilitating medical conditions, John passed away on March 28, 2023, at the age of 88 at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta, Maine. He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Ames of Augusta, ME; his children Donna Mooreside of Beaufort, SC, Stephen Ames of Milford, MA, Deborah Okusko of Boynton Beach, FL, Keith Ames of Old Town, ME, and stepson John Wilson of Augusta, ME; 15 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Theodore Ames of Orlando, FL.
John was preceded in death by his son, John Nathaniel Ames, Jr., his parents, and sisters, Lois and Anne.
John's family moved to Arlington, Mass, when he was young and remained there during most of his school years. During his lifetime John served in the US Marine Corps before working in various occupations. He earned his Master Plumber and Master Electrician licenses in Maine and operated his own company in the Bucksport area for several years. He later relocated to Marysville, CA where he again owned and operated his plumbing and electrical company. He returned to Maine after retiring.
John enjoyed a wide variety of things during his lifetime. He loved nature, especially during long drives on back roads where wildlife was abundant as were scenic views including rivers, lakes and streams. He was content to sit in the car or on a park bench while birdwatching. He had a keen ability to notice plants and flowers that might have gone unnoticed by others. From his early life until his final days John found pleasure listening to music, especially piano music. Throughout his life he had a passion for airplanes, trains, and automobiles as well as transportation history. He often tinkered with muscle cars. His love of airplanes eventually led him to acquire his private pilot's license. John was an avid reader and an intellectual, although he would have just claimed to be curious. He had a certain wit and wisdom about him that naturally endeared people to him. Even as his health deteriorated, he managed to maintain his good nature and sense of humor.
The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to Togus VA Medical Center for the tremendous care John received over the years and heartfelt appreciation to Delta Ambulance for consistently providing excellent medical transportation and services. Finally, we would like to thank Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home for handling John's final arrangements.
There will be a graveside service with military honors on June 21, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the committal shelter at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Blue Star Ave in Augusta. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.
A gathering for family and friends will be held immediately following the memorial at VFW Hall Post #887 located at 509 Leighton Road, Augusta, ME. Finger food will be provided. However, the hall policy requires that any beverages be purchased at their on-site bar.
Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home 1 Church Street, Winthrop where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting www.khrfuneralhomes.com
Click this link to view additional details about John's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/john-ames