GORHAM — James Thomas “Tom” Hethcoat, 61, lost his battle with lung cancer on Thursday, May 5, 2011.

Tom was born in Portland on March 3, 1950, the son of James G. Hethcoat and Genevieve Gallagher Hethcoat. He graduated from Gorham High School in 1967. He loved sports and spending time with his friends and family. He worked at the Sebago Shoe, Inc. as a hand sewer for 25 years.

Tom was predeceased by his parents; two brothers and sister; and a daughter, Billie-Jean Hethcoat.

He liked playing cribbage and doing word puzzles. He loved sports, especially baseball, spending time with his family and friends. He was a born again Christian, who took solace in God.

He is survived by two brothers, Richard Hethcoat of Bridgton and Joel Hethcoat of Gorham; a sister, Katherine Morrill of Portland; five daughters, Karen Steeves of Florida, Theresa Harrington of Kansas, Crystal Burnham of Buxton, Shannon LeBlenc of Buxton and Jesica Childs of South Portland; many nieces and nephews; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.