James J. (Jimmy) Tavares, Jr., 67, of Fall River, died peacefully at Charlton Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late James Tavares, Sr. and Helen (Rogers) Tavares. He lived in Fall River for most of his life.
He attended Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, MA and received his BA in English from Bridgewater State College. He was a highly-respected English teacher in the Fall River Public Schools system for 38 years, teaching both grammar and literature for college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement students.
Jimmy enjoyed the theater on many levels throughout his life, attending live theater in New York and all over New England; sharing his experiences, expertise, and knowledge with local theater organizations. He was advisor and director to the Durfee High School Drama Club and was a highly-accomplished, well-respected director and multi-talented performer for the Little Theater of Fall River for decades. Jimmy directed several shows for other local community theaters, also, such as Fall River Recreation Street Theater, Somerset Recreation, and People’s Theater. He was a great mentor to many who continue to work in the theater both professionally and non-professionally. He was highly regarded for his ability to guide performers on characterization and attention to detail, while always demanding excellence. His philosophy for working in community theater was: “We’re not amateurs; we’re non-professional.” Jimmy set very high standards for shows in which he was involved, many of which resonate within the Fall River community to this day.
He is survived by his beloved and closest friends, Pamela Wilkinson and Robert Accettullo, along with many close, personal friends, former students, and family whose life he touched throughout the years.
His funeral will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 7:30 AM from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 8:30 AM in St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Assonet, MA. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours are Friday, June 13, 2014 from 4:00-8:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. www.rogersfuneral.com