James Henry Fennessy

James Henry Fennessy, 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 27th at his home in Westbrook with his loving wife Loraine and children by his side. He was born in Cheshire County, New Hampshire on May 11, 1939, to the late John P. and Mildred Fennessy. A graduate of Walpole High School where he was an accomplished athlete on the varsity basketball and baseball teams.

Following High School Jim was a member of a semi professional baseball team before he joined the US Army. After his honorable discharge he began his lifelong career as an assessor, first at United Appraisal Company and then for North Conway New Hampshire and finally the City of Lewiston.

Jim’s love of sports led to his active involvement in growing and coaching the football, basketball and baseball programs of the Lewiston Youth Leagues. He ran the Recreation Department Youth Basketball League for many years. Elliot Little League and Lewiston Junior High Baseball had the pleasure of Jim and his great friend Patrick Murphy coaching and leading several teams to the Maine State, and New England Championship winning teams. Later he was honored by the Lewiston Auburn Hall of Fame for his contributions.

Jim had a great love of family, friends, music, life, a cold one and golf. Many memorable moments were spent combining all. He was an active member of Springbrook Golf Course and an honorary member of the Claremont Country Club. He participated in countless tournaments for fun and glory and fulfilled a dream of playing in Ireland. He was a founding member of the infamous Fennessy Family “Ugh Mug” Tournament which will have its 56th event this year.

He was loved and admired by all that knew him. We will remember him for his welcoming and generous soul with a genuine smile, big heart, and proud and strong character. Jim will forever be in our hearts as we share the countless memorable stories of his life and adventures. We will miss him dearly.

Along with his wife, Loraine, he is survived by his daughter Erica Fennessy and fiancée Jimmy Cole; sons: Scott Fennessy and wife Sheila, Sean Fennessy and wife Nola, Mike Fennessy and partner Beth Pizzo, JP Fennessy and wife Tammy; grandchildren: Keegan (Tatiana), Aidan, Mick, Emma, Olivia, Piper, Barrett, Keira; great grandchildren: Matthew, Mia, Owen; siblings: William Fennessy, John Fennessy and wife Helen, Peter Fennessy, Paul Fennessy and wife Deb, Sheila Piwowarczyk and husband Pete; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Kevin Fennessy; sister-in-law: Lucy Fennessy, Jodie Fennessy; baby daughter: Erin Fennessy.

A Memorial Service honoring James' life will be celebrated on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Fortin Group in Auburn, Maine. Those wishing to make donations can do so in honor of James Fennessy to the Thomas E Lahey Foundation, P.O. Box 86, Litchfield, ME. 04350. This is a scholarship foundation for student athletes. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM till 1:00 PM prior to the service at the Fortin Group Funeral Home 217 Turner Street, Auburn, Maine 04210. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.thefortingroupauburn.com .