Obituary
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James Lars "Jim" Amundsen

Date of Death: August 1, 2025

Date of Birth: September 5, 1953

Biography:

James Lars Amundsen "Jim" , 71 years old, passed away on August 1, 2025 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine after a brief illness.

Jim was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on 9/5/1953 and grew up in North Plainfield, New Jersey. After graduating from NPHS in 1971, academics were not his plan and instead worked several years at a machine shop and General Motors. His life career was employment  with Public Service Electric and Gas Company at Linden Generating Station as a boiler operator. In 1998, he and his family moved from Toms River, NJ to Middletown, Delaware where he worked at the Salem Nuclear facility for several more years before retiring in 2012.

He always had a strong work ethic, was dependable and well liked, always volunteering to work overtime, sacrificing time with his family and personal needs.

 

He married his wife Linda in 1983, a "person of interest" since his childhood; she and her family lived across the street from his family in North Plainfield.  They have lived together in the small coastal town of Topsham, Maine since July 2018.

He is survived also by daughters Heather Amundsen, of Lansdowne, Pa, and Melanie Amundsen, of Smyrna, Delaware , and sister Susan Amundsen of Lakewood, New Jersey.

Predeceased by parents Barbara "Bobby" Amundsen (2018) and H. William Amundsen "Bill" (1998), beloved son Christopher who passed on October 7, 2024.

 

Jim felt a strong connection with the ocean and enjoyed time in Manasquan, NJ at the family's summer cottage for over 40 years. 

On Linda's side, her family maintained her grandparents' property in West Dennis, Massachusetts, dating back to the 1870's. There were many vacations "on the Cape", which included an intimate marriage ceremony overlooking the beautiful Grand Cove in September 1983. 

 

One of Jim's passions during his years in Delaware was volunteering many hours on the Kalmar Nyckel, the Tall ship of Delaware. He sailed, maintained and shared a great deal of acquired knowledge over many years.  He also volunteered at Tri State Bird Rescue in Newark, De, transporting injured birds, re nesting fallen raptor babies and washing birds during oil spill crises. He could always be counted on no matter what.

Jim loved visiting breweries and sampling craft beers everywhere he went.  A shout out to Makers Mark bourbon: his favorite night cap. 

 

With ship building in his blood, Jim learned several years ago about volunteers needed to help build from scratch a replica of Maine's First Ship, the "Virginia". He immediately became part of the team. She was launched in June 2022, and is a full reconstruction of the original 1607 vessel. He was also employed by Maine Maritime Museum as a "deck hand/tour guide", offering summer cruises on the MerryMeeting boat for the past 3 years. He loved being on the water sharing maritime history and watching out for the abundant wildlife.

 

Since moving to Maine, Jim has made many friends and maintained a "quiet presence" in the neighborhood. He touched many lives and will always be missed. 

 

A celebration of life is planned at the Bath Freight Shed on Sunday, 9/21/25 commencing at 4:30 - ?. This is where the Virginia was built, and includes a small museum with artifacts.  Even the Virginia is usually moored there and open for deck tours and possible sails. Everyone is invited to stop by and say hello.

 

Donations can be made to any of these organizations if you choose:

 

                                                                                 Maine's First Ship ( Virginia)

                                                                                Maine Maritime Museum 

                                                                                Tri State Bird Rescue of Newark, De.

                                                                                 National Society for Suicide Prevention 

 

 

In the quiet of the harbor, where the soft winds sigh,

We gather here to honor you, as stars begin to cry.

A Norwegian heart, so brave and true,

With a spirit like the ocean, forever breaking through.

 

Your sails danced with the breeze, on waters wide and free,

Each journey told a story, a tale of mystery.

An engineer of wonders, with wisdom in your hands,

You crafted dreams with knowledge, like castles made of sand.

 

Through charts and stars, you skillfully would steer,

A guiding light for many, your voice we hold so dear.

In the hearts of those you touched, your legacy will thrive,

With every wave that whispers, we know you are alive.

 

So here's to you, dear Jim, as we stand side by side,

With love that knows no boundaries, through the ebbing tide.

Though you've sailed beyond our sight, your spirit will remain,

In every gentle ripple, in the sunlight and rain.

 

Rest easy now, dear sailor, your journeys just begun.

In the vastness of the heavens, where you'll shine like the sun.

With love from all of us, forever you will stay.

In our hearts and memories, you guide us on our way.