Obituary of James Michael Stein

JAMES MICHAEL STEIN, "Tate", passed peacefully on October 06, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at the Andwell Hospice House in Auburn, Maine. It wasn’t easy, but he battled cancer in a John Wayne True Grit fashion, on his own terms. 

He worked in many fields, including carpentry, security guard, cemetery caretaker, a sewer treatment plant assistant, and a certified welder for Fisher Plow. He served honorably in the Navy from April 1983 to April 1, 1987, as a Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class. His final career was with the State of Maine Department of Corrections as a Maine State Prison Guard and retired in the fall of 2009 after more than 20 years.

He loved Harleys, Jeeps, John Wayne, and all things country and western! He loved a thinking game, from poker to cribbage to chess, that taught how to outwit your opponent. But his passion was firearms and he believed in the 2nd Amendment, The Right to Bear Arms. He was always there for advice with his calm, thorough way of thinking. He taught us to respect and care for our elders and authority, and take care of each other. He left some pretty big boots to fill and a hole in many a heart!

Tate was born on August 20, 1954, in Dorchester, MA.

He was predeceased by both his parents, William Frederick Stein and Janet (Johnson) Dunham, one sibling, Melissa, and a beloved uncle, Francis.

 He is survived by his siblings William Stein, Michelle (Stein) Baille, Kathleen (Stein) Bower, his youngest brother Dale Stein, and by his wife of over 40 years Juanita (Thibodeau) Stein. He had one daughter, Jessi Roy-Al, and three stepchildren, Scott, Shellie, and Stacie. He had several grandchildren, Bella, Bonnie, Jordynn, Alex, Zach, Alyssa, Ashley, Heather, and Brittany, as well as several great-grandchildren, Axel, Roscoe, Matthew, Faith, Theo, Emma, and Kai. He is survived by cousins, George and John(Jack) Johnson, many nieces and nephews, including Wayne, Mike, Lisa, Brandon, Mary Kate and Jacob. He will be missed by many more chosen family, including Dan, Cam, Peter, Chelsae, Donna, Dianna, and John; along with friends, including Jeanie, RC, Nikki, JC, Faith, Bri, Stephen, Michelle, Terri and family and a precious caregiver Leilani.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at directcremationofmaine.com