James J. O'Connell

In Taunton, James J. O'Connell, age 86, passed away peacefully in his home on May 29, 2024 while surrounded by his loving family. James is survived by his beloved wife M Pat (Butler) O'Connell of Taunton. He was born in Dighton, the son of the late William O'Connell and Helen (Lennane) O'Connell. James had been a resident of Taunton and formerly of Dighton. He was educated in Dighton schools and Monsignor Coyle High School. James served his country honorably during the Korean War while in the U.S. Navy. He was the owner of Bay State Painting, Terman Trucking, Fall River Cruise Corp, and also a Lobster boat with 800 traps. Jim's greatest joy in life was his family. Married to his wife Pat for 65 years, they were greatly blessed with six children, 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Jim had a 100 ton captain's license and he would never turn down a boat delivery to or from the south. Captain Jim's favorite place to be was at the helm of a boat, cruising the coast from Canada through the intercoastal down to Florida, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Many weeks in the winter were spent with family and friends on the boat down south. If he wasn't in Florida, you might find him in New Hampshire riding snowmobiles through the woods ending at Hillwinds. He owned several classic cars and loved the car shows and auctions on tv. They say cats have nine lives – well Jim surpassed that for sure. He was not afraid to try new and sometimes dangerous things. He started many businesses including Lines Inc., Bay State Paint Corp., Fall River Cruise Inc. He ran lobster boats out of Block Island. As he got older, you could always find "Big Dog" at Shaw's Boatyard on the back deck of the boat with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other. As his health declined he looked forward to visits from his family and friends to talk about old times and share stories. Jim is survived by his beloved children; Susan Donaldson and her husband James of Lakeville, Lynn Rebello and her husband Richard of East Falmouth, James O'Connell of New Bedford, Mark O'Connell of East Falmouth, Karen Alves and her husband David of Dighton, and his late daughter Terese Sousa. He also leaves his loving grandchildren; Brianna, Barrett, Matthew, Stephen, Nathan, Zachary, Dane, Reese, Brittany, Paige, Ashley, Ryan, Amanda, Jessica, Kyle, Connor, and the late Cameron, and 7 great grandchildren. He also leaves his siblings; Frances Colonna of Falmouth, John O'Connel of Bourne, and the late William "Oakie" O'Connell, and Nancy Koss. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Annunciation of the Lord Church in Taunton on Wednesday, June 5th at 10 am. Visiting hours are kindly omitted. Burial will follow at Dighton. Donations in Jame's memory may be made to; Tunnel of Towers Foundation, t2t.org. Visit our website www.okeefewade.com to sign the online guestbook, view obituaries and obtain directions.
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