John L Nims

John Leslie Nims, 78, of Augusta passed away unexpectedly September 15, 2025.

He was born on December 10, 1946, in Hanover, NH to Mary and Pembroke Nims and grew up in Ashburnham, MA.

John dedicated his career to securing clean water for Maine residents as a chemist for the State of Maine for nearly 50 years, having earned his chemistry degrees at Bates and University of Maine at Orono. John was always eager to help, always picking up the phone with his signature catch phrase "John Nims here, how can I help?"

In 1987, John married his soul mate, Kristiina Kangas, in Rockland, ME, and they resided together in Augusta, ME where they built a beautiful life, surrounding themselves in family and vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens.

John's love of gardening started at a young age when he was paid 10 cents per 100 dandelions he weeded, earning $17.87 that summer. His passion blossomed to cultivating multiple gardens, producing an abundance of vegetables for sharing and preserving for the winter. In the summer, he could always be found riding his John Deere lawn mower tractor, planting and weeding, or processing vegetables with his family. He joked about being the only person you'd find who dreamed of weeding.

John took great pride in his gardens, growing award-winning sunflowers and beets the size of his head. He passed his passion and gardening tips and tricks onto his family who carry forward his love. Recently, John's grandsons joined him in hauling compost and weeds.

John took even more pride in his family and was an ever-present fixture in their lives. He attended every game that his children participated in with youth sports. John got his fair share of bruises too, serving as a catcher for his children during pitching practice and a pass partner for soccer practice. In 1985, he was instrumental in the formation of the first Hodgkins Junior High soccer team and served as the head coach for the first two seasons. Additionally, during Cony High School's Baseball State Championship seasons in 1990 and 1991, he served as the home game announcer. In the summers, John loved camping with his family, passing down his taste for well charred marshmallows and s'mores to at least some of his children.

He is survived by his wife, Kristiina Nims; his children: Wesley Nims and his wife Aleta, Brian Nims and his wife Sonia, Robert Nims and his wife Doris, and Sarah Nims and her partner Ishtiaque; and his grandchildren: Caden, Evann, and Miles Nims.

A private Celebration of Life is planned for next spring when the gardens are growing. In lieu of sending flowers, please enjoy weeding your plants.