James Kenneth Rivers, 70, of Whitman, died March 16th, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of Gail (Adams) Rivers of 41 years.
James was born in Watertown, NY, son of the late Robert and Eleanor (LaVigne) Rivers.
He has been a resident of Whitman for the last 43 years and was a dedicated Police Officer for 34 years in the Town of Whitman. He also worked as a Carpet layer for many years.
He served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a Private First Class from 1959-1965.
James was a member of the Whitman VFW and the Hanson Rod & Gun club. He was an avid gun collector and loved going shooting at the range. He had a great sense of humor and was always there helping people out, a family man who was passionate about his work as police officer and the Marine Corps. He loved horses and enjoyed western movies. One of his favorite things to do was spend time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Gail, he is survived by his three daughters, Sheila Rivers of Whitman, Amanda (Rivers) Kelly and her husband Shane of Braintree and Erica Rivers of Walpole, his son-in-law Daniel Hayward, his sisters Susan Mono of South Carolina and Sandra Rivers of Watertown, NY, loving grandfather of Samantha and Devin Hayward, Tyghe Shimkus and Gavin Kelly, godfather of Derek James Cunningham, Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy: also many nieces, nephews and many family members.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his services on Wednesday March 21st at 11:00AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, (RT 58 at the Rotary Circle) Whitman, MA. Interment will follow in the MA.V.A. National Cemetery in Bourne, MA at 1:30PM.Visitation will be on Tuesday March 20th from 4:00-8:00PM.In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Glioblastoma Research at Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Box 231, Boston, MA 02111.