JAMES PETER KENISTON SOUTH PORTLAND- James "Jimmy" Peter Keniston, 66, passed away June 19, 2014 peacefully surrounded by friends and family after a year long illness. Jimmy was born in Portland, ME November 9, 1947, son of Charles F. and Carrie (Pillsbury) Keniston. A lifelong resident of South Portland, Jimmy was a graduate of South Portland High School and attended college at what is now SMCC. During the Vietnam War, Jimmy volunteered for the Army and served overseas and in Vietnam as a Specialist combat paratrooper in the 173rd Airborne Brigade ("Sky Soldiers"). Jimmy worked for many years with the railroad at Rigby Yard in South Portland, and eventually retired from Southworth-Milton Caterpillar in Scarborough. A lifelong outdoorsman, Jimmy enjoyed various pursuits, including gardening, scuba diving, hunting, fishing and camping. The love of nature helped to foster the construction of his "camp" in the Western Maine Mountains, which he shared with friends and family. This log cabin in the woods served not only as a retreat, but as a focal point for many of life's adventures. Jimmy took special interest in creating folk-art projects. His work drew inspiration from our natural surroundings, and often incorporated nature as a medium. Some of his pieces, which he referred to as "outsider art" have been showcased in local galleries. Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife Patricia Keniston of South Portland, his son Andrew and daughter Kelly (Keniston) Ansley, as well as brothers Charlie, Steve, Billy, sister Mary Lou and a close extended family. His legacy in life was in his thoughtfulness toward others, and his tireless acts of kindness and generosity touching many people for generations to come. Services will be held on Monday, June 23rd with visiting from 11 am -12 noon and a service with military honors immediately following at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A reception will follow at the Elizabeth Hobbs Hospitality Center. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements made by Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland. in lieu of flowers send donations to Cancer Community Center, 778 Main Street, South Portland, ME 04106 and MCCM, 100 US Route 1, Unit 107, Scarborough, ME 04074