James J. Soares

James J. Soares, 79 of 107 Easton Ave, Portsmouth, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2011 at home. He was the husband of the late Irene Frances McGreavy Soares. Born in Fall River, MA on November 15, 1931, he was the son of the late Antonio J. Soares and Maria T. Rego Soares.James grew up in Fall River and joined the Coast Guard at age 19. After 3 years of service he returned home to work at A. H. Leeming and Sons and complete school. He graduated with Highest Honors in 1959 from Diman Vocational High School and continued working with A.H. Leeming and Sons. His career continued here for 20 years, rising to the position of Vice President. In 1975 he completed his college degree at Roger Williams College. In 1977 he started a new career, he opened his own business, Aquidneck Fasteners, Inc. With the help of his family, the business grew and soon moved to Tiverton, RI, where it still operates today with his son.James enjoyed spending time sailing out of Tiverton and Fairhaven, taking trips to Marthas Vineyard and participating in regattas on the bay. Along with his wife they all enjoyed camping as a family. Over the years, Jim and Irene were active with Rexall Camping Club, Sea-Rex Camping Club, Good Sam Club, and the former Wampanoag Camping Club. He also enjoyed golf, and was a member of the Montaup Country Club for many years in Portsmouth. The Soares family moved to Portsmouth in 1960 and enjoyed their time in Common Fence Point. James was instrumental in the design and construction of the Common Fence Point Improvement Association Community Hall.Mr. Soares is survived by five children, Sheila Cooper of Tiverton, Michael Soares also of Tiverton, Lisa Whittier of Portsmouth, Kathleen St. Laurent also of Portsmouth, and Diane Dallow of Tiverton. He leaves one sister, Mary Grande of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren and one great-grandson, as well as several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph and Paul Soares, two brothers, Manuel J. and Antone J. Soares, and a sister Amelia Soares.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, June 14, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 9:00am from the Connors Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Barnabas Church 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River, MA.Donations in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association 260 West Exchange Street, Suite 102-B, Providence, RI 02903 or to the American Diabetes Association 222 Richmond Street, Suite 204, Providence, RI 02906.