"Uncle mike, When God took his angle back, I lost a hero. I have always looked up to you and inspired to be like you. You never had negitive out-look on life. No matter how u felt you always had a smile and a hug that lasted for a life time. Even though time has pasted the pain of you being gone never goes away. I love and miss you very much....."
In loving memory of
Michael F. James
December 28, 1951 - March 24, 2007
Newport, RI - Michael F. James, 55, of 10 Thurston Avenue, Newport, RI, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI. He was the husband of Deborah DeRensis James. Born in Newport, RI, on December 28, 1951, he was the son of the late Willard and Dorothy Murphy James.Mr. James was born and raised in Newport, RI, graduating from Rogers High School. In 1971 he married Deborah DeRensis. He worked for many local moving companies over the years. After losing his sight, he trained for employment and worked at several coffee shops in Providence. He most recently was the manager of Coffee Plus at Naval Health Care New England. Michael was a communicant of Jesus Saviour Church and he was an avid fisherman in his spare time. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, David James of Warwick, RI, and Michael F. James, Jr. and his wife Rachel of Huber Heights, OH, a sister, Deborah Janise and her husband Frank of Newport, RI, and a granddaughter, Jessica James of Huber Heights, OH. He is also survived by two uncles Henry and John Murphy, both of Newport, and a niece Jennifer Jackson and a nephew Matthew Decker. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, at 8:00am, from the memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00am, in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2007, from 4-7pm in the Memorial Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Van Zandt Street Pier, c/o Point Association, P.O. Box 491, Newport, RI 02840.
Tributes
"For the Dear Family of Mike. I will always have fond and loving memoriesof your family and will keep them near and special. You all are in my heart and special prayers."
"Debbie, Dave & Mike, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I felt like a member of your family all those years hanging out at your house watching Bob Ross. Mike was a big part of that. I'll miss his "Hey, Jen the Hen" when he greeted me. You're all in my thoughts. Jenalmy"
"Our deepest Condolences to Mike's family!!! Mike was that ray of sunshine on a cloudy day!!! :- He will be missed dearly!!!!"
"CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE JAMES FAMILY FROM ONE OF THE NPL PATRONS. THE MASS THIS MORNING WAS OFFERED FOR MICHAEL. PFM"
"James Family, I'm very sorry to hear of your recent loss. My mom Kathy Lima emailed the news and asked if I remembered the name, I said of course!! I remember his funny jokes and great outlook on life! It has been a long while since I have seen any of you, but I'm deeply sorry. You are all in my thoughts.... Tom Lima"
"We will always remember Mike for his quick smile and big hugs....as well as his dedication to a job well done. The world is poorer without him and we were all richer to have known him. Godspeed, dear friend."
"I will always remember Mike one of the kids from the fifth ward. I miss talking with Mike about the crazy times growing up. My prays are with the family."
"My prayers are with David and his family."
"Mike was a wonderful blessing to all he came in contact with. We will truly miss him. May God bless his wife and children in this time of great loss. Please take comfort in the fact that though he was blind he can now see. We love you Mike. Dave & Patty Englefield"
"Deb, To me, Mike mirrored our Savior's example and was kind and thoughtful in all his dealings with his fellow men. He will GREATLY be missed. If all of us were like Mike, the world would be a greater place."
"Mike Jr and Family, I am very sorry for the loss of your Dad. Although I did not kow your dad I am sure he was a great man. My prayers are with you and your family. Denise Fox"
"You will truly be missed my old friend, I have only fond memories of your smiling face."
"Mike will be missed by all of us at NHCNE. We all enjoyed his smile and great personality every day rain or shine, while getting breakfast or lunch and snacks. My condolences and prayers to his family."
"I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was so personable and friendly, he always had a smile and just a wonderful personality. I will miss his smiling face at Mike's cafeteria. May you find comfort and peace knowing how well he was liked. May God get you and your family through this time of sadness."
"Mike I will miss you. You always had a smile."
"Mike will be missed by us all. He was always happy and could brighten anyone's day."
"Sadly we all will miss Michael, words cannot alone express how sorry I am to hear this news. Getting a cup of coffee will never be the same, hearing his voice and talking with him always made my day. Mary and I has been praying for him along. Love and prays to the family"
"Mike was the smile I looked forward to every morning and afternoon at his coffee shop. He was a fishing buddy and a friend. I miss him already..."