Guilford - James “Jim” Drinkwater Sr passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2025. Many in the Guilford area will remember Jim as a history and science teacher and track and field coach at Piscataquis Community High School. Jim started his teaching career at SeDoMoCha Junior High School in Dover Foxcroft after he graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington. Jim took a break from teaching for a few years and had several different jobs, but he ultimately returned to teaching in 1986 when he got a position at PCHS, teaching science, history and adult education. While still teaching western civ, Jim took on the role of assistant principal at PCHS. Many former students remember his sense of humor, empathy and bullish approach in ensuring their success at school and beyond. After he left PCHS Jim served as the principal in Harmony Elementary. Despite his success in administration, Jim’s passion was always being in a classroom full of kids, so he finished out his career at Dexter High School, again teaching history. In addition to serving his community as a teacher, Jim served his country in the Coast Guard Reserve and retired as a Senior Chief from the USCG with 33 years of service at the age of 60. After retiring Jim continued to serve his country by developing security policy and teaching programs in the early days of homeland security. Outside of his professional life Jim lived for bass fishing. On many weekends he could be found at a bass tournament with his bass club or fishing at Harlow Pond. When he wasn’t fishing, he was talking about fishing with his sons or with fellow fisherman down at the causeway on Harlow Pond. Jim loved introducing family and friends to fishing by taking them out in his boat. One of his greatest joys was taking his grandkids fishing on Harlow Pond. Jim was predeceased by his father, Lloyd and mother, Grace of Belfast. Jim is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Patterson Drinkwater of Guilford; three sons, Christopher and his wife Gretchen of Deridder; Louisiana, James Jr and his wife Jeannie of Andover, New York, and Thomas and his wife Wendy of Oakland. grandchildren, Austin, Kyrstin, Tanner, Cassie, Caitlyn, Cameron, Cedric, and Aiden; and his great grandchildren, Aiden and Elana. James is also survived by his sisters, Ramona Graves of Hope, and Emily Berry of Bangor; brothers, Greggory Berry of Morrill, Fred Berry of Penobscot; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and by his decade's worth of students whom he always considered “his” kids. A celebration of life is being planned for July. In lieu of flowers, honor Jim’s passion and take a child a fishing.