Obituary

John W. Christie

Tue, 10/22/2019 - 10:30am

John “Jack” W. Christie, 91, of Wiscasset passed away Oct. 21, 2019, after beating cancer for more than 21 years.

Jack was born in Ellsworth Falls on Aug. 23, 1928, to George and Marie (McFarland) Christie.

Jack graduated from Ellsworth High School at the age of 16. He attended Maine Central Institute (MCI) on a sports scholarship and graduated from University of Maine where he was a standout athlete earning varsity letters in baseball, basketball and football. While attending UMO he enlisted in the ROTC.

Before entering college, Jack enlisted in the US Army and served for two years in Graves Registration, spending most of his duty on the island of New Guinea. He received an honorable discharge in 1948. Later in life, he enjoyed telling stories of his travels through the South Pacific to family and friends.

During the Korean War he entered the U.S. Army again with the 1st Calvary Division, and 7th Calvary Regiment. After the Korean conflict ended and his duty assignment was completed, he was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

Jack taught physical education and health for several years at Pemetic High School in Southwest Harbor and Wiscasset Middle School, where also coached basketball as well. He retired from the purchasing department from the state of Maine in 1988. In his later years he could often be seen running across the Wiscasset bridge. He enjoyed going out to breakfast every morning, walking around town talking to the local business owners and watching the traffic.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother David and sister Georgia.

He is survived by two sons, Andrew Christie and his wife Elise of Windham and Theodore Christie and his wife Deborah of Westport Island; one granddaughter, Nicole McCallen; one brother, Robert Christie and his wife Carol of Sebago; and three nieces, Jeanne, Deb and Roberta.

A graveside service will be held at Woodbine Cemetery in Ellsworth at a later date. Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath, ME. Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be made the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choosing.