Known as Capt. Jim by residents and visitors alike, Jim Morash has been a fixture in the Lakes Region for well over 30 years. As a young boy growing up and spending his summers on Bear Island, he watched his brother and sister enjoy their summers working on the “Mount.”

Jim will share much of the M/S Mount Washington’s history, as well as tales of summering on Bear Island Monday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Community’s Woodside Building. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested by calling 524-5600.

Capt. Jim can add many other stories of the lake that he has heard from his relatives, as his family has been summering on Bear Island since the 1890s. He started working as a deckhand with the Flagship Company in 1979 during his college years and joined on full time in 1982. Rising through the ranks, Jim has served as Deck Officer, Purser, Mail Boat Skipper, Pilot and Marketing Director. He was promoted to Captain and General Manger in 2000 and in 2006 he became part of the ownership and Chief of Operations. The “Mount” continues to be a family affair for Jim.  His wife Carol works as the company’s accountant and HR Director.  In addition, 10 of his nephews and one niece have worked on the boats throughout the years.

In the 143-year history of Mount Washington Cruises there have been less than 20 men that have captained the Mount Washington, be it the sidewheeler or the present day motorship. Today, there are six official Captains of the M/S Mount Washington with a combined experience of over 100 years at the wheel of the grand ‘ol lady of the lake.