Jim lived a meaningful life, always proud of being an Auburn hometown boy. A chance meeting began a love story for Jim and Diane Chaplin. They married in 1980 on a lovely summer day, one of his happiest, Jim said. He was born to Joseph and Virginia Tufts Chaplin Jr. Jim played basketball and was a lanky right handed baseball pitcher, graduating from E.L. High in 1967. He attended U of M in Orono, where he posted one of the most notable seasons in Black Bear history. Jim’s 1.02 ERA that year – a UMO record – still stands to this day. Jim graduated from UMO in 1971 with a major in political science. He continued to combine his love of baseball, with his dedication to share the sport, with young athletes. In honor of his outstanding baseball career, Jim was inducted into the Auburn-Lewiston Sports Hall of Fame in 2009. Jim spent his entire professional life working to improve the well-being of Maine’s children. His career with the Department of Human Services spanned 27 years. Jim earned his Master’s Degree from Boston College in 1988 which allowed him to become the Director of the Division of Childcare Licensing. Upon retirement from State government, Jim worked for 7 years at the Spurwink School, coordinating accreditation and licensing. Jim also served the District Court as a guardian for children in foster care. Eleven years ago Jim received the miraculous gift of a new heart at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. With the skill and care of so many over these last 11 years, many of Jim’s dreams have been realized. Jim was a wonderful husband and father and took much pleasure enjoying his family and friends. He enjoyed music, played guitar, and loved golfing. He relished his hours of skiing, boating and fishing on the ocean and the lakes of Maine. Jim wished to be remembered most for his commitment in helping children and other vulnerable people, and for his love for family and community. Jim believed in being responsible for one’s individual actions, the importance of taking risks, and seeing the gifts of each new day. Jim Chaplin passed under the compassionate care of the Hospice House staff and in the presence of his family on Saturday May 26, 2018. “The Comeback Kid”, as he often called himself, took his final walk to the pitcher’s mound in peace and with great dignity.
