James E. Kells, 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Mae (Alhstedt) Kells, with whom he shared many memorable years. Born on August 20, 1929, in Providence, RI, Jim was the son of the late James G. and Margaret M. (McNamara) Kells.
After graduating from Cranston East High School, Jim served proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II, deployed to Japan in the aftermath of the atomic bombs. Following his Army service, he joined the Merchant Marines, traveling the world and experiencing diverse cultures. On returning home, Jim built a successful career as a stone mason, retiring in 1991.
Jim was always active and believed in staying fit. In his retirement, he enjoyed running, riding his stationary bike, playing golf, and sharing card games with friends and family. He loved the music of Frank Sinatra and other classic artists, evoking memories of his youth. Family and faith were paramount to Jim, and he cherished watching his family grow, fully embracing his role as a grandfather. He was supportive of his sons, Ron and Walter, and took great joy in attending his grandchildren's sports events, celebrating milestones, and creating warm memories.
Jim is survived by his daughter-in-law, Grace Newman of Wakefield, RI; five grandchildren: Kim M. Wilcox and her husband, Matthew, of Ohio; Rhonda J. Woloohojian and her husband, M. Peter, of East Greenwich; Cynthia L. Doughty and her husband, Jason, of Warwick; James P. Newman and his wife Alexis of Hope Valley; and Ronald Newman Jr. and his wife Jocelyn of Hope Valley; as well as sixteen great-grandchildren: Ryan, Katherine, Hayley, Menas, Mikhail, Jason, Joshua, Jordan, Claire, Megan, Callum, Mackenzie, Zoe, Mitchell, Madison and Molly. He was predeceased by his sons, Ronald Newman and Walter Newman, and by his siblings, Ellen "Peggy" Lennon, Evelyn Kells, and Edmund Kells.
A funeral service will be held at New Hope Chapel, 80 Richmond Townhouse Road, Carolina, RI, on Friday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment with military honors at Wood River Cemetery, Richmond, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boston Children's Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215, or online at https://giving.childrenshospital.org/donate. This institution held a very special place in Jim's heart due to the care his grandson received from the dedicated professionals there.
Remembrances may be shared at carpenterjenks.com.
