James Nitsche

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the USMC (1951) during the Korean conflict. While assigned to Marine duty in Washington, DC, he fell in love with Anita Casale, a Marine from Portland, Maine. He and Anita later married and after discharge, settled in Portland where he initially worked at American Can Co. and Cushman Bakery.

In 1955, he entered the Portland Fire Dept., an impassioned fireman (firefighter classification didn't exist), he quickly rose from the rank of private to district chief in a 21 year career. As many firemen had a second job, Jim was a meticulous house painter. Following his retirement from the Portland Fire Department, Jim lent a hand to a close friends small business performing bookkeeping/accountancy tasks, skills he acquired from Anita. His most recent employment was as operations/ warehouse manager at the former J E Goold Pharmaceutical Co.in Portland. Wherever he was employed, Jim gained the respect of all those around him. He was a gentleman and a leader.

Jim was physically active his entire life, whether through work requirements, sports activities, or simply caring for his beloved lawn (the envy of the neighborhood). He played for the Portland Fire Dept. basketball and softball teams and was a skillful bowler. He played the 10 pin bowling leagues at Northgate Lanes, Portland.

He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Riverside Municipal Golf Course, competing in the Construction League, where he made many friendships.

Although a somewhat "quiet" man, rarely ever showing emotion, he most enjoyed time spent with his wife of more than 50 years, his children, especially all of his cherished grandchildren, and the numerous friends acquired throughout his life experiences. One of his greatest joys was watching his grandchildren while attending their numerous activities.

The family would like to thank the BC2 staff at the Barron Center who gave Jim wonderful care and comfort throughout his time there.

He was pre-deceased by his wife, Anita N. (Casale) Nitsche and a brother, Richard Nitsche.

He is survived by a son, Joseph Nitsche and his wife Maryellen of South Portland; daughter, Kimberly (Nitsche) Kapothanasis and her husband Christo of Westbrook. Grandchildren, Rachel Nitsche of Washington, DC, Joellen Gallant of Windham, Christie C Kapothanasis of Philadelphia, PA., Constantine (Costa) C Kapothanasis of Columbia, MD, James C Kapothanasis of Westbrook, ME He is also survived by niece, Debra; nephews, Richard and John; and numerous relatives in the Buffalo, NY and Portland, ME areas.

Visiting hours will be held from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, where a memorial service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Jim’s online guest book

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