James R. (Moose) Tavares of Fall River passed away into eternal rest at home on Wednesday Dec. 28 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with bladder cancer surrounded by his family. He was the husband of 32 years to Eleanor (Beaudry) Tavares. Son of the late Manuel (Twee) and Alice (Amaral) Tavares. Father of Vicki Pacheco (Mark) and Jodi Tavares of Swansea. Stepfather of Debbie Astle of Fall River, Richard Astle Jr. and Robin Martori (Rick) of Westport, MA. He was the loving Grandfather of Russel Pacheco (Talitha) and Rebecca Porras (Kenny) of Fall River, Deke, Lindsay, and Alex Astle of Westport and Alisha Medeiros and Evan Tavares of Swansea. Great Grandfather of Jenea and Caleb Porras and Joey Pacheco.
James retired from the Fall River Gas Co. in 2001. He served on the Board of Re-Creation Inc. for over 30 years and also volunteered at their Farmer's Market as well as the Dana Farber Children's Cookout, he served as the President of the Utility Workers of America Union Local 431 & was a member of the Fall River Planning Board. He received an Outstanding Citizen's Award from the Partners for a Healthy Community. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following the Stock Market.
His funeral will take place from the MANUEL ROGERS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on WEDNESDAY at 9:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Good Shepherd Church, S. Main St. Fall River at 10:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours TUESDAY 5-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445-9924.