James B. Vandal, 63, of Little Compton, peacefully passed away at home on Friday, March 28, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Susan M. (Helger) Vandal, they shared 42 years of marriage.
Mr. Vandal was born in Fall River, son of Leo P. Vandal of Fall River and the late Doris (Lavoie) Vandal. James grew up in Westport and has resided in Little Compton for over 30 years. James worked on many farms in Westport in his youth, in his early adult years he was a commercial truck driver and then became a firefighter with the Little Compton Fire Department where he reached the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 2023. Firefighting was his true passion and calling in life, he mentored many new firefighters as the department’s training officer.
James loved to spend time with his family and friends sitting around the fire enjoying a good meal, a good chat and a good glass of whiskey. He enjoyed working on his many home projects and he loved fishing, golfing and playing chess with his grandson. If anyone was ever in need, he was the first one to offer his help. His kind and generous spirit was felt by everyone he met. Family was of utmost importance to him and wanted his family by his side as he left this world after a three-year battle with occupational cancer.
Survivors along with his wife and father include his 2 sons: James B. Vandal, Jr. of Tiverton and Jacob W. Vandal of Little Compton; his daughter; Jessica M. Vandal-Hussey and her husband Lt. Sam Hussey of Little Compton; 2 brothers: Gene Vandal of Shirley, MA and Mark Vandal of Hartford, CT; a sister: Magdeleine Vandal of Hampstead, MD; 4 grandchildren: Austin, Madison, Ava and Charlotte; 5 nieces: Kyleen, Rebecca, Katherine, Jackie and Arianna; along with many other nieces and nephews. Close family friends Cassie, Amanda, Kim and Tom.
He was the brother of the late Lee Vandal, Lance Vandal, Michael Vandal, Leigh Vandal and Dawn Vandal.
Funeral service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Thursday, April 3, 2025 at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd, Westport at 7:00 P.M.
Calling hours Thursday, from 4-7 P.M. prior to the service at 7pm.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support his son Jacob https://bit.ly/42pKIef or to LIFE Inc,
https://www.lifeincri.org/