James Thornton Dey

WESTERLY - James Thornton Dey, longtime owner and innkeeper of the Shelter Harbor Inn in Westerly, Rhode Island, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born in Short Hills, New Jersey, Jim was one of six children of the late John Stanley and Constance Lodge Dey. He attended Millburn High School '60 and went on to Lehigh University '64. At Lehigh, he was a proud member of the Men's Tennis Team and the Sigma Chi fraternity.

In 1976, he discovered his true calling when he purchased the Shelter Harbor Inn in Westerly, Rhode Island. For more than four decades, he devoted himself to creating a cherished retreat that became a local institution and welcomed countless guests.

An athlete throughout his life, Jim found joy in competition. He was an avid tennis and platform tennis player, winning the Men's 65+ Nationals Championship title in 2007. His love of the sport inspired him to build two platform tennis courts at the Inn, where he founded the Shelter Harbor Inn Paddle Club. Hosting tournaments and fostering camaraderie, Jim ensured club members enjoyed not only spirited matches but also a lively bar, excellent food, and a rooftop hot tub.

Jim fully embraced the coastal New England lifestyle. He loved being on the water-cruising the ponds in his boats, sailing aboard the Lady Di, and competing in sailing and windsurfing races. On land, he could be found playing croquet, clamming, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors, happiest when active and surrounded by nature.

Jim was a former member of the Short Hills Club in New Jersey as well as the Watch Hill Yacht Club, Weekapaug Golf Club, Weekapaug Yacht Club, Weekapaug Tennis Club, and the Shelter Harbor Inn Paddle Club in Rhode Island.

Jim is survived by his wife, Westley; his children, Jimmy (Courtenay) Dey, Kara (Charlie) Short, Kortney (Tom) McManus, Jillian (Ed) Maydon, Maggie (Tyler) Abele, and Kubby Dey; his siblings, Connie (Bill) Fortenbaugh, Peggy Dey, Dozie (David) Herbruck, John (Barbara) Dey, and Bill (Barbara) Dey; and fifteen grandchildren: Parker, Phoebe, Camryn, Spencer, Samantha, Alexis, Clayton, Tyler, Mackenzie, Tommy, Ryan, Caroline, Freya, Angus, and Harper.