James Gilman Sargent

James Gilman Sargent passed away peacefully on the serene shores of Cold Stream Pond Sunday, July 12, 2020, surrounded by his six children. He was born December 28, 1936 in Bangor, son of Herbert and Amber (Warren) Sargent.

Jim grew up in Stillwater, Maine and attended schools in Old Town, graduating from Old Town High School in 1955 as the class president. He was drafted into the Army and spent time in New Jersey, Georgia, and Germany, during which he was a national competitor as a sharpshooter before being honorably discharged. He had a strong affinity with his fellow veterans and the sacrifices they made, and continue to make, in order for Americans to enjoy the freedoms they do.

After his military service, Jim joined his father’s company, H. E. Sargent, Inc. in the mid-1950’s through the 1980’s, taking the role of president in the early 1970’s. He skillfully led the company through dramatic changes in types of work and equipment that most of his competitors did not survive. Driving along I-95 he could recite the start and finish of every project, which contractor built it, and the particular advantage the contractor gained to win the project.

Jim retired in 1989 and moved to his beloved Jupiter, Florida, and counted among his favorite pastimes boating, spending time with family at Cold Stream Pond, genealogy, and giving advice – sometimes quite direct, but often so thickly veiled you might think it was your own idea. Among his many gifts to his family – both at work and at home – was a unique ability to rend seemingly large problems down to actionable bits and define a simple path forward according to his strict code for what is right. Also, his genealogical studies and documentation serve as a firm basis for his family’s history dating back to the 1600’s.

Jim was active in industry associations, having been President of Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Maine and serving as the National Highway Division Chair for AGC of America.

Above the Army, the projects and the associations, however, was Jim’s love for family, for whom he was ALWAYS there. Jim is survived by his six children: Karen Littlefield and her husband, Bob, and her daughters Shelli and Amanda; Susan Gallant and her husband, Greg; Dixie Redmond and her husband, Rick, and their two sons, Alex and Josh; Herb Sargent and his wife Tristine, and his children Savannah and James; Katrina Barnes and her husband, Doug, and her sons Patrick and Nickolas; Shane Sargent and his wife, Lee, and their sons Sam, Ben and Will; sisters Virginia Gowen, Calista Hannigan, and Marvia Meagher and many great grandchildren. Jim was predeceased by his father and mother, Herbert and Amber Sargent, and his sister, Anita Leonard.

A private service will be held, as Jim would want it. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Old Town Public Library at 46 Middle Street, Old Town, Maine, 04468.