Jean was born on January 14, 1930 in St. Francois de Beauce, PQ, Canada. He was a son of the late Arthur and Valerie (Lachance) Jacques. Jean grew up in Canada and attended local schools there. He moved from Canada to Maine in 1958. Here he met and eventually married his wife; former Alice Auger, on October 31, 1959 at St. Louis Church in New Auburn and they started a family together. During that time, Jean owned and operated his business as a carpenter; Jean L. Jacques Co., Inc. He very much loved his work. He enjoyed working along side his son until 2014.
Many of the family's fondest memories with Jean originate at "The Camp". Jean and Alice moved to their home on Sand Pond, Tacoma Lake in 1988. We each enjoyed the four seasons together every year. Maple taffy on snow in Spring. Pontoon boat rides, listening to the call of the loon, swimming to the "big rock", and lobster feeds in the Summer. Raking leaves, loading them by tarp-fulls, and stomping them down in the back of the old blue dump truck in the Fall. Skating on the homemade rink on the lake and the best toboggan rides there ever were in the Winter. Jean loved his family very much and his favorite thing to do was to make memories with those he loved the most.
He will always be remembered for his love of making and baking bread for his family and friends. Sometimes he would make up to 16 loaves a week! His grand-kids really enjoyed having "lessons" with their Pepere in the kitchen; learning how to make his homemade bread. There was always lots of laughter in the kitchen with Pepere. We will never forget his famous saying: "It's got to be good, it's never been eaten."
Jean was an avid gardener. He loved his time in the garden and was always proud of his crop. He enjoyed eating and canning his fresh veggies. If you went to visit when the crop was ripe, he would never let you leave without "robbing the garden" first.
Jean enjoyed sharing stories about his many favorite memories in life. He captivated you with the way he would tell these stories; he made you feel like you were right there experiencing them with him. Many of his stories ended in his deep, belly laugh which was so contagious. Jean was a member of the Prince Of Peace Parish in Lewiston. He will be deeply missed by many.
He is survived by his loving wife, Alice of Lewiston, his children; Daniel and his wife Lori of Greene, Raymond of Wilton, Louise Tirabassi and her husband, Walter Cary of Lewiston, Diane Gunderson of Florida and Linda Fisher and her husband Bob of New Auburn. He also leaves behind his sister, Agathe Roy of Canada as well as his 12 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, David in 1983, his 9 siblings, and most recently his son-in-law, Curt Gunderson.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all of the staff at Central Maine Medical Center for the devotion and compassionate care that they showed Jean during his final days.
Condolences may be shared with Jean’s family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com
A Liturgy of the Word service will be held at Fortin\Lewiston on Tuesday August 7, 2018 at 11am followed by committal prayers at St. Peter's Cemetery also in Lewiston.
Those wishing, in lieu of flowers, may make a charitable contribution in Jean's memory to a charity of choice.
Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 70 Horton St. Lewiston, 784-4584.
