James Patrick Fay

James P. Fay, 87, of North Kingstown, died peacefully on January 30, 2018 surrounded by his wife and children. James, formerly of Narragansett, Rumford and Pawtucket, RI was the husband of Janice (Mooney) Fay to whom he was married for 65 years. He was the father of James P. Fay, Jr (wife Carolyn) of Rumford, Christine Greene (husband Jeffrey) of North Kingstown, Stephen Fay of Narragansett, and Sharon Clarke (husband Brian) of Seekonk, MA. James had 10 grandchildren: Shannon, Jeffrey, Derik, Alyson, Erin, Lindsay, Melissa, Stephanie, Hayley and Tayla and 10 great-grand children. He is survived by his sister Ellen Shannon (husband William) of East Providence. He was the brother of the late Philip, John and Robert Fay and sister, Mary Carr. James was the son of the late John E. and Agnes (Boland) Fay.

James Patrick Fay, was born in Central Falls on July 23, 1930, grew up in Pawtucket, and graduated from Pawtucket East in1948. He enlisted in the Navy and served his country proudly during the Korean War. He served on the Destroyer USS Bristol from 1950-1954 and was truly part of the Greatest Generation. James married Janice Mooney, on May 10, 1952 and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in May 2017.

After the War, Jim worked for Cushman Bakery and worked security at Narragansett Race Track with his three brothers. He later became a clerk for the United States Postal Service in Narragansett, RI and retired in 1990. In retirement, and while wintering in Florida, he worked security at Tampa Bay Downs, worked ticket sales for the Toronto Blue Jays and then held many positions for his beloved Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers.

Throughout his life, he summered with his family in East Matunuck, RI as well as in what he called “Horse Heaven”, Saratoga Springs, NY. Alongside his sons, Jim was a thoroughbred horse owner and breeder.

In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Jim enjoyed volunteering. Whether he was helping a friend in need, coaching Little League, becoming a Big Brother or assisting the elderly, Dad always wanted to help others. Jim was also a ‘forever optimist’ with such expressions as, “We’ll get ‘em next year” after any disappointing Red Sox season.

Jim adored his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved life, being Irish and having adventures. He was funny, modest, and had a kind heart and caring soul. He was a wonderful man, a perfect father and grandfather and faithful friend. Those who knew him will always remember him. Those who loved him will love him forever.

“May you live a long life,
Full of gladness and health,
With a pocket full of gold,
As the least of your wealth.
May the dreams you hold dearest,
Be those which come true,
May the kindness you spread,
Keep returning to you.”

Calling Hours are Sunday, February 4 from 12 – 3 pm at Manning-Heffern Funeral Home, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 10 am from St. Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, RI. Burial will follow at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI.