MILLINOCKET – On Aug. 19, 2011, James R. Shanks peacefully went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ. James, also known as “Junior” or “Jim,” was born Sept. 17, 1924, in Millinocket, to James and Susan Carlisle (Robertson) Shanks, who had immigrated to Maine from Scotland.
Junior attended Millinocket schools and graduated from Stearns High School as a member of the class of 1942. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy and took part in the invasion of Normandy. After serving in the Navy, Junior married the love his life, Doris L. Estabrooks of New Brunswick, and together they shared 65 years. The couple had two daughters, Jolene and Jean. Junior secured employment with Great Northern Paper Co., where he worked for 41 years, retiring in 1987. During his life Junior was a member of First Baptist Church, Millinocket, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, a trustee and a member of the board of deacons. James was a true man of faith and enjoyed sharing his faith in Jesus with co-workers and people in general. During his life he was also a member of the board of directors of Katahdin Federal Credit Union. For more than 30 years he was a member of Dot and the Has Beens singing group and enjoyed traveling for singing engagements all over central Maine. Boating, camping and going to the beach were some favorite pastimes of Junior’s. He had a special love for children and his own grandchildren were a highlight of his life. His grandchildren will never forget “flying over the mountain,” riding the rides at Funtown, scavenger hunts and haunted houses. “Grampy” was the best grandfather anyone could ask for.
James is survived by his wife, Doris, of Millinocket; two daughters, Jolene Roop and her husband, Joe, of Old Orchard Beach and Jean Goodman of Lafayette, La.; four granddaughters, Jennifer Ramsdell and her husband, Eric, of Douglas, Mass., Sarah DeBenedictis and her husband, Patrick, of New Hampton, N.H., and Jamie and Heather Goodman; grandson, Donald Goodman, all of Lafayette, La.; and four great-grandchildren, Caroline, Charlie and Emily Ramsdell and James DeBenedictis Jr. Junior also leaves behind two special nieces, Sandra Daly and Ethel Doyle; and a special nephew, Ernie Welch. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Susan; his brother, Stewart; and his beloved sister, Jean, who passed away just one day before him. The family extends their thanks to Brenda Brunette and Julie Glidden for the exceptional care they provided James, and to the doctors and staff of Millinocket Regional Hospital.
Friends are invited to visit with the family 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket. Funeral services for James and his sister, Jean, will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Millinocket Baptist Church. Gifts in memory of James may be sent to Millinocket Baptist Church, 297 Penobscot Ave., Millinocket, ME 04462 or Millinocket Regional Hospital, 200 Somerset St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Messages of condolence may be expressed at
www.lamsonfh.com.