James A. Bray

Bristol – James Albert Bray, 91, husband of Dorothy Jo (Ireland) Bray, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024.

James was the son of the late James and Gwendolyn (Holden) Bray.

James was a lifelong resident of South Attleboro, Massachusetts and Bristol, Rhode Island.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country in Alaska as a staff sergeant medic and skier.

He was an accomplished boatman of both sailboats and powerboats.

Jim at the age of 22 built his own cabin cruiser, complete with a kitchen, sleeping quarters and head.

He was a graduate of the Attleboro Schools and subsequently the New England Institute of Technology.

Jim was the proprietor of the James Bray Oil Company and Garage in South Attleboro.

He was a man with a big gentle heart and always showed great kindness to others.

If a customer needed oil and was unable to pay for it, he would deliver the oil and the customer never received a bill.

If delayed by storms he would deliver by snowmobile.

Besides his beloved wife, James is survived by his stepdaughter, Deborah Kanosh, and her husband, Leon; two grandsons; two great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Rocco “Rocky” Proia and his wife, Alma “Happy”, and many dear cousins.

Jim was much loved by his dear friends who include Donald Governo and David Harrison.

Relatives, neighbors, and friends are welcome to attend Services with Military Honors on Saturday, May 11th at 4 p.m. at WILLIAM W.

TRIPP Funeral Home, 1008 Newport Ave., Pawtucket.

A celebration of James life will be held in the near future at his home in Bristol.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Bristol Animal Shelter, 10 Minturn Farm Road, Bristol, RI 02809 in honor of his rescue dog, “Pickles” would be appreciated.