Thomas A. James, of Swansea, MA, passed peacefully on September 26, 2024, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA at the age of 74, after a brief battle with a terminal illness. Born in Newport, RI, the son of the late Kenneth Allan James and the late Hazel Marion (Burr) James, he moved to Swansea in the late 1980s.

Tom had worked in hospitality in Newport, RI, through the 1980's at Jimmy's Saloon and Maximillions nightclub. He enjoyed being part of a softball league during these years. A former business partner of Maztec Bath Systems, of Bridgewater, MA, Tom most recently was the proprietor of Northcoast Bathtub Refinishing of Fall River.

He was well reputed amongst his colleagues for his straight shooter style of business, his attention to detail, and dedication to quality. Tom was an avid sports fan, especially of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He enjoyed camping with his partner, Judy, over the years and cherished regular Sunday breakfast dates with his brother, Ken, and daughter, Steph, at Reidy's and Graziano's 501, in Portsmouth, RI. Tom also enjoyed cooking for family occasions and going to dinner with his daughter Stacey whenever she would visit from Colorado.

He is survived by: his long-time life partner, Judy Halpen of Swansea, MA; two daughters, Stacey James of Basalt, CO, and Stephani Girouard of Portsmouth, RI; two siblings, Elizabeth "Betty" Espanola (husband Gerald "Gerry") of St. Petersburg, FL, and Kenneth James II (wife Judi) of Portsmouth, RI; seven grandchildren, Tyler, Kayla, Casey, Kendra, Tommy, Matt and Maggie; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or any sort of donations to charity, we ask that you find the time to reconcile and make peace with any family or friends that you may have drifted from over the years. Make it a point to break bread with them. Tell your people that you love them.

His cremation arrangements were private.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. Being unable to do so at this time, all are urged to express sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!