MARIAVILLE and BANGOR – James L. Rivers, 67, husband of Irene M. (Kost-Hinds) Rivers passed away unexpectedly July 2, 2012. He was born May 26, 1945, in Bangor, son of the late Paul and Alice (Kilby) Rivers.
Jimmy, as he was known to all his friends, grew up in Hampden and graduated from Hampden Academy in 1963. He served in the U.S. Navy from August 1964 to August 1968 and attended Leadership School, N.A.S. Jacksonville, Fla., graduating in 1965, first in his class. Jimmy was a Federal Aviation Administration licensed senior air traffic controller and held the distinction of being the youngest senior air traffic controller in the country. From 1968 to 1985, Jim ran the family canoe business, Rivers and Gilman Moulded Products, Inc. of Hampden. He later entered the trucking industry and served as vice president and president of November Trans, Inc. of Hampden, followed by Merrill Transport Inc., where he was the head dispatcher for Bangor and Searsport. Jim also served as operations manager for Carlen Transport, Bangor. He retired from J.B. Hunt as their East Coast recruiter. Jim failed at retirement and got his real estate broker license. He and his wife Irene opened Assist-2-Sell 1st Choice Realty in Brewer in 2003, the leading full service discount realty in North America. Their office won countless awards for their success and Jim was exceedingly proud of the fact that he changed the face of real estate forever in the Greater Bangor area. Jim was a licensed commercial boat operator and a Master Maine guide since 1969. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 84, Orono, and a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 244, Bangor. Jim was an avid sportsman and happiest when he, his wife and his dog Pebbles were at camp. He was at home on the water or in the woods.
He is survived by his loving wife, Irene; twin brothers, Gerald Rivers of Bangor and George Rivers of Wisconsin; sister, Cindy Rivers of Hermon; son, James Lee of Colorado; stepson, Killick Hinds and his wife, Delene Porter, of Georgia; cousins, nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog. Jim will be remembered by his smile that could light up a room and his loyalty to his many, many friends. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
A celebration of James’ life will be held 2-5 p.m. Friday, July 6, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Those who wish to remember Jim in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Boy Scouts of America, Katahdin Area Council, P.O. Box 1869, Bangor, ME 04402. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.