Rev. James Edward Waugh

Rev. James E. Waugh of West Ossipee, NH, is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After a steady decline in health, he passed peacefully with his family by his bedside at the MaineHealth Memorial Hospital on Thursday, September 11, 2025.

He was born in Presque Isle, Maine on July 16, 1932. He graduated from Presque Isle High School class of 1951. It was there that he met and fell in love with his high school sweetheart Virginia. They both attended Barrington (RI) College class of 1955. They were married on August 7, 1953, and shared 61 years of marriage and shared ministry prior to her passing in May 2015. He was an American Baptist Minister for 69 years starting in 1955 at the White Rock Free Baptist Church, Gorham Maine and ending at the Water Village Community Church in Ossipee, NH when he retired in 2024. Within those years they served churches throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. People would always call him either Pastor Jim or P.J. In addition to his pastoral duties, he also served as Chaplain for the Maine Legislature, Protestant Chaplin Ministry at Maine Medical Center and at the Men’s Correctional Center in Windham, Maine.

He was a people person with a twinkle in his eye and a quick joke to share always asking if folks had their slice of lemon pie! He loved to meet with people and chat about anything and everything. His lifelong hobbies were enjoying time playing with model railroading and airplanes, and craft making and woodworking in his “Hobby Hut”. He loved cars (especially all the AMC Pacers – a passion his son shares also) he owned over the years and boats. His “oasis” for 15 years was the family camp on Damariscotta Lake, Maine.

He was predeceased by his wife Virginia, and sister Joyce Reed. He is survived by his son Peter (Beth), grandsons Jonathan (Melissa) and Timothy (Cassidy), and niece Debbie Sanchez.

Many thanks to the staff at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital for providing outstanding and compassionate care during his final days.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Lord Funeral Home, 50 Moultonville Road, Center Ossipee, NH from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a short celebration of life service at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be held at a later date in Presque Isle, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in James’ memory to the Lakes Region Humane Society, P.O. Box 655, Ossipee, NH 03864.

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