WESTPORT – James Edwin McQuillan, age 70 of Westport, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, in the comforts of his home with his wife by his side. Born in New Bedford, James was the beloved husband to Sheila Ann (Coroa) McQuillan for 30 years, and the son of the late John J. & Frances (Phelan) McQuillan.
Jim attended S.M.U. now UMass-Dartmouth, majoring in Sociology, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 1973 and his MBA in 1984.
He worked as a Claims Representative for Crawford and General Accident Insurance Companies, and as a Salesman for Cape Building Systems prior to retiring as an Electrical Technician from the Providence Post Office in 2019.
Jim had a natural curiosity about the world around him. He was a hard worker, and a faithful friend with a dry sense of humor.
A skilled photographer, he had enjoyed photographing weddings for Loring Studio during his school years and later joined his college photography staff, eventually editing the SMU “Scrimshaw” in his senior year.
Jim was an avid boater and fisherman. He liked everything about boats-being out on the water and fixing them. He gladly accepted invitations from friends for a boat ride which frequently included “and bring your tools.” He had a passion for fixing things – electrical, mechanical and everything in between. Nothing pleased him more than puttering in his garage workshop with his music blaring and, in winter, his wood stove blazing. Jim was quiet, a man with few words, but well worth listening to. As a friend put it, he was “unique”.
In addition to his wife, James is survived by his sister-in-law, Carol A. Costa, and her husband Gordon of Westport, his niece, Emily & nephew, Benjamin, as well as numerous cousins. James was the brother of the late John F. McQuillan.
Mrs. McQuillan would like to express a sincere appreciation to Southcoast VNA Palliative Care & Hospice staff, who provided the utmost professional & compassionate care to her husband.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Anne’s Church Preservation Society, for the restoration of the church.
A funeral for James will take place from the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River, MA. on Thursday, Aug. 12th here at 8:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Spring St. Fall River at 9:00 AM. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. To send the family expressions of sympathy, please go to www.rogersfuneral.com.