James Dubreuil

James R. Dubreuil 75, of Fall River, Massachusetts, has passed away, peacefully surrounded by his family after a long illness.

    Born in Fall River, James was the son of Leo R. Dubreuil and Lydia (Banville) Dubreuil. He was raised in Westport, Massachusetts, and graduated from Westport High School in 1968.

    James was a master craftsman, a carpenter by trade with the skill to work in virtually every facet of construction, from structural work to fine woodworking. Known to his family as someone who could create absolutely anything with his hands, there seemed to be nothing he couldn’t build. That craftsmanship followed him throughout his career: first as a general contractor, then as an underwater systems engineer at General Dynamics, later as a foundry worker at Sherle Wagner, and finally as a finish woodworker at Hunt Yachts. No matter the job, he took immense pride in his work, was uncompromising when it came to quality, and brought an exceptional attention to detail to everything he made.

    James was a proud Vietnam-era veteran who served his country in the Army National Guard's Signal Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He briefly owned and operated a Pie Bakery called Grog’s Place in Fall River and in retirement he delivered the Taunton Gazette in the Taunton area. Outside of his work, he immensely enjoyed nature and animals, held a deep appreciation for music, and, above all, cherished family gatherings and time spent with those he loved, especially his grandchildren who lovingly knew him as Pépère.

    He is survived by his son, Jordan R. Dubreuil, and his daughter-in-law, Jessica (Combs) Dubreuil; his sister, Claudette Rowland; his grandchildren, Aydalee, Daxton, and Leona; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Irene Wright, Leo Dubreuil, Lucille Dubreuil, Francis Dubreuil, and Michael Dubreuil. He was the former spouse and husband of Patricia (Cieplik) Dubreuil.

    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in James’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html)⁠ or Mae’s Playground (https://www.maesplayground.org/)⁠. James believed no child should have to suffer from childhood cancer, and he would have been grateful for support of St. Jude’s mission. Inspired by his granddaughter, he also cared deeply about Mae’s Playground, a sensory playground for children with autism in the neighborhood where he lived.

    Visitation hours will be held on Sunday, Sep. 13th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Oliveira Funeral Home, South Main St. Chapel, 2064 South Main St, Fall River, MA 02724.

    His funeral service will take place on Monday, Sep. 14th, beginning at 8:45 AM at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 AM service at St. George's Church, Westport. Interment to follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.