Emile J. Jacques

LEWISTON—Emile “Bill” Jacques, 87 of Lewiston, died Thursday, February 23, 2012 at D’Youville Pavilion with his family by his side. He was born in Lewiston on February 2, 1925, the son of Ovide and Florestine Hemond Jacques. He was educated in Lewiston Schools. He married the former Mildred Clark of Lewiston on June 12, 1954.

He owned and operated Jacques TV for over 50 years and was elected to many different offices in local, county and state government including Mayor of Lewiston, Lewiston City Council, State Representative, State Senator and Androscoggin County Commissioner. He was appointed to numerous Boards and Commissions at both the state and local level by many different Governors over the years. He was a member of Holy Cross Church, where he was part of the collection staff, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. He served in the US Marine Corps during WWII. He was a professional motorcycle racer in the US and Canada when he was younger and won several Canadian National titles. He maintained a motorcycle shop during that time on Hines Alley and was well known for giving rides to all the kids in the neighborhood. He was also well known for sponsoring several International motorcycle races at the Lewiston Fairgrounds. He was part owner, pilot and director of State Aviation in Auburn during the 60’s. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, snowmobiles and water-skiing and anything else that involved speed and danger well into his 70’s. He loved spending time with his family, especially at camp on Taylor Pond where it was always a treat for everyone to see him on Sundays doing his water-ski tricks. He traveled extensively all over the world for both business and pleasure during his life and especially loved going to his condo’s in St Marteen and Mexico with his wife and nephews and their wives.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Mildred Clark Jacques of Lewiston; son, David and his wife Debra of Lewiston, daughter Diane and husband Normand Gagnon of Lisbon, son James and wife Debbie of Minot and his Grandson Matthew Jacques of Lewiston. He also left several nephews and nieces that he was always very close to throughout his life including nephews Richard Jacques and wife Judy, Ronald Jacques and wife Connie, Paul Jacques and wife Donna, Robert Jacques and wife Janis and nieces Joan Jacques Moriarty and husband Scott and Lorraine Bisson Janas. He also had many great nephews and nieces that were a very important part of his life and that he also remained close to.

He was predeceased by his parents Ovide and Florestine, his brothers George, Robert and Rene Jacques and his sister Cecile Jacques Bisson and husband Joseph. He was also predeceased by his nephews Donald and Lionel Bisson and his niece Cynthia Bisson.

The family would like to especially thank the nurses and CNA’s at D’Youville Pavilion 3rd Floor West for all the special attention and care they gave our father and family during his stay. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate all of you and all the things you do there every day for the residents.

You are invited to share your condolences with the Jacques family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com

Visitations at the funeral home Sunday from 2-4, 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Church. Committal with military honors at St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Holy Cross Church Memorial Fund, 16 Ste. Croix Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 70 Horton St. Lewiston 784-4584