Photo courtesy of George L Doherty Funeral Service, Inc - Somerville
Mar 5, 1925 - Feb 25, 2026
My condolences to your family. It was a pleasure to have seen Ellen and Jim as a couple. And a pleasure working with Jim.
Penny Najjar
March 01, 2026 | Dorchester, MA
James Flint Brayton – Of Somerville, formerly a long-time resident of Little Compton, Rhode Island and Westport, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with family at his side. He was 100 years old. Born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut, he was the beloved son of the late Flint Brayton and Bernice Meyer MacLeod.
Jim attended Phillips Academy in Andover and was a classmate of the first President Bush. He was a proud World War II naval veteran who honorably served his country after attending MIT to become an engineer. After he left the navy, he worked for Turner Construction Company until he retired. He was a foreman for the construction of the original John Hancock building in Boston, and later, their chief purchasing agent in NewYork City. Jim was an avid golfer, tennis and paddle tennis player, and skier, embracing every season. But sailing brought him the most joy. He had a boat from the time he was a young boy (the Why Not) until he was his 80’s. The family spent most summer weekends racing his sailboat on Long Island Sound or on weeklong trips to the islands off the Rhode Island and Massachusetts coasts. He helped establish Cedar PointYacht club in Westport Connecticut and Spindle Rock Yacht Club in Westport Massachusetts.
Above all else, Jim was devoted to his beloved late wife, Ellen. He was in the V-12 (Naval Officer’s training) during WWII with her brother Graham, who introduced them. The two of them shared a passion for dancing, a love of travel, and a zeal for hosting parties for their large group of friends and holidays with family.
Beloved husband of 76 years to the late Ellen (Kiskaddon) Brayton who passed away in October of 2025. Devoted father of Flint Brayton and his wife Phyllis of Silver Spring, MD, and Leslie Brayton and her husband Greg Hagan of Somerville, MA. He was predeceased by his son Dana Brayton and his wife Erin. Cherished grandfather of Austin, Adriane and Maggie. Dear brother of the late Peter Brayton, the late Diane Brayton Bushby, the late Carol Brayton and Suzie Brayton McGoff of Westport, MA and Paul Brayton of Blue Hill, Maine. Also survived by manyloving nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will take place in Westport over the summer.
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