James G. Cyr ’47

James Gardner Cyr, 93, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the Presque Isle (Maine) Nursing Home. He was born in Brooklyn, New York December 25, 1927, the son of Homer and Lola (Canney) Cyr.

He resided in Presque Isle in the house his father built on Barton Street most of his life. While in high school he was class president for 3 years, including his senior year, served on student council and played trombone in the school band. He and 3 buddies played in a dance band called the “Top Hatters” for school dances.

After high school, he attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine, graduating as a marine engineer in 1947. He sailed on the “S.S. Washington” and “Southwestern Victory” to locations all over the world. During this time he attained the rank of Lieutenant J.G. in the Naval Reserve. (This later was humorous to his kids as his mail came to
Lt. J.G. J. G. Cyr).

In 1949 he met Eva Campbell from Fort Fairfield on a blind date and they were engaged in 3 months and married 6 months later. He left the sea and began work at Maine Public Service Company in 1952. From Steam Plant Operator he worked his way up to Shift Chief to Shift Supervisor to Superintendent of Plants to Manager of Production. He retired after forty years to enjoy fishing and hunting and summers at Portage Lake, which he loved. He taught many of his children and grandkids how to fish and canoe.

Jim was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a faithful Catholic all his life. He was also a member of the Toastmaster’s Club and a volunteer for S.A.D. 1 after retirement.

His family was always his first priority in life. As the father of twelve children, his was a full and joyful life. He set high standards for all his children: life could be enjoyed but there were standards of honesty, kindness and responsibility to be met. Whether he was tending a cut knee, pulling a wobbly tooth or helping guide his children as they filled out college applications, he was someone who could be counted on to love and guide his children. His easy-going nature and often humorous quips made him one of a kind. He will be greatly missed by his family.

Jim is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Eva, with whom he celebrated seventy-one years of marriage in February, his children: Patricia Cole, Andrew Cyr, Stephen Cyr, Thomas Cyr, Carol Tuttle, Jonathan Cyr, Mary Cyr, Rosemary Cyr, James Cyr, Patrick Cyr, Kathy Sligh and their spouses. Additionally, he is survived by twenty-two grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Paul and grandson Logan Cyr, his parents, his brother Ben and sister Patricia Asbury.

Special thanks to the staff at the Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing Care facility where Jim resided for the past 31/2 years. His fondness for his health care providers was evident with his smile for them and his reply of “Perfect!” when he was asked how he was feeling. In Jim’s final days, the staff provided great comfort to both Jim and the family.