James. J. "Jim" Haskins, Jr. Obituary (2006)

TAUNTON ... James J. "Jim" Haskins, Jr., 59, of Lakeville died unexpectedly, Saturday, November 18, 2006 at Morton Hospital in Taunton. He was the husband of Denise (Michaud) Haskins. Jim was born in Fall River a son of Lillian (Letourneau) Haskins of Lakeville and the late James J. Haskins and had lived in Lakeville since 1976. He was a communicant of St. Rita's Church in Marion where he served as its choir director. He was the Director of Membership for the Fall River area Chamber of Commerce. Prior to that he was employed at the former St. John's Child and Development Center as Director and Teacher for 9 years, Finney Outdoor Advertising of Fall River as General Manager for over 20 years, and A. K. Media as Regional Director of Operations for 3 years. He also worked at Bob's Sea and Ski, Fairhaven as a Sales Representative. Mr. Haskins was a Past President and Paul Harris Fellow of the Fall River Rotary Club, and former member of the Fall River Rotary Foundation Board of Directors. He was Past President of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army of Fall River, Past President of Massachusetts Region 3 Science Fair, Board of Directors Moby Dick Council of Boy Scouts of America, past President of the Board of Directors of the Fall River Marine Museum, hosted the Citizens for Citizens Toys for Tots Telethon, Captained the H.M.S Bounty on several voyages, and volunteered with Fall River Celebrates America for many years before working with the Chamber. He was formerly Choir Director at St. Dominic's Church Swansea, a founding member of SOAP (Supporters of Apponequet Players), and was very active with the Durfee Alumni Association. Jim was also a Dive Control Specialist SSI Certified, and served as a Ski Ambassador at Mt. Cranmore. He loved sailing, skiing, scuba diving, reading books, history, playing guitar, and helping his wife with the kids at Apponequet. He had a real soft spot in his heart for both people and animals who needed help. He loved life and everyone around him. He was a Vietnam Veteran in the Naval Reserves for 20 years attaining the rank of Commander. He was a 1964 Graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, a 1968 Graduate of the former SMTI now known as U. Mass Dartmouth with a Bachelors in Ancient History. Survivors include his wife and mother, 2 daughters: Lauren Maurer and her husband Jon of Oaklyn, NJ and Veronica Haskins of Fall River, a brother Brian Haskins of Meredith, NH, a sister Patricia Haskins of FL, a grandson Daniel Ryan Maurer, 2 nephews and a niece. Funeral Mass to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Wednesday at 10 AM at St. Anne's Church, South Main Street, Fall River. At the request of the family there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Fall River Rotary Club Foundation, P.O. Box 1802, Fall River, MA 02722 or to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 444, Fall River, MA 02722.