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Robert W. James

1941 - 2021

Robert W. James obituary, 1941-2021, Salem, MA

BORN

1941

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Murphy Funeral Home - Salem

85 Federal Street

Salem, Massachusetts

Robert James Obituary

SALEM- Robert W. James, 80, of Salem passed away on Monday November 15, 2021 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Born in Somerville, Robert was the son of the late Helen (Goodwin) and Percy James.


Growing up, Robert attended schools locally before beginning his career. Robert had a passion for trucks and began working in the industry early on. As he began to learn the trade, Robert started his own business here in Salem RW James Trucking on Canal St. that has stood as a staple in the North Shore for 40 years. Robert’s dedication to his work was exemplified by his many hours and holidays spent serving the community.


Outside of his work, Robert loved being on the water. He spent time with his family on his first boat “Fandango” and later the boat “Quality Time” that would be seen from both Pickering Warf and the Landing in Salem. Robert’s other endeavors included spending time on his Harley Davidson as well as flying. Robert obtained his pilot’s license to conquer his fears of heights and flying. Above all, Robert will be remembered for the love he had for his family. He will be missed by all who knew him as an amazing friend, a wonderful father, and loving husband.


Robert is survived by: his wife Julie of 28 years, his four sons and their wives, his daughter and her husband, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, his 95 year old mother in law, three brothers in law and their wives, and sister in law, along with many nieces and nephews, and numerous close friends that he considered family. Robert was predeceased by his three brothers and his brother-in-law.


Visiting hours will be held on Saturday November 20, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal St. Salem. Masks are required inside for attendees of the services. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

Published by Murphy Funeral Home - Salem on Nov. 17, 2021.

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Robert Giuffreda

November 15, 2022

The phone is quiet. My condolences to you Julie and all the family. I miss him very much. Bobby G.

peter horn

December 14, 2021

Sorry to hear this ....was looking for a good phone # to call and say hello and found this out. always told him i wanted his old red pickup ...rest my friend you will be missed.my condolences to family. truly a great man

Marissa Furnari

December 9, 2021

I just heard of BJs passing. He was such a wonderful man, like a big brother! I'm so sorry to his family of his passing. Please accept my condolences and hugs!

Gerard Proccacino

November 30, 2021

Bobby, B J, and I met in the mid 60s. We became roommates at Trapelo Rd., Waltham and then moved to the house on the hill in Lexington. We rented a cottage in Falmouth, Cape Cod, for many summers. Did we party? Absolutely. We had friends, family and class. I moved to California fifty years ago and B J and I kept in touch and visited regularly. Sooooo many fabulous memories overwhelms me. B J, my "brother" I will miss you, dearly. You will be in my thoughts forever. Rest in peace with the Angels. Love Proc
Gerard Proccacino, Linda Clarke
Newport Beach, CA

DANNY DEVITO

November 21, 2021

BJ WAS ONE OF A KIND HAVE MANY MEMORIES, STARTING WITH WHEN HE HAD A HOUSE UP ON THE HILL OFF OF RT 2 IN LEXINGTON GOD BE WITH YOU REST IN PEACH AND BEST WISHES TO JULIE LOL

Bob Giuffreda

November 20, 2021

From driving a truck at Smith Brothers to buying your first 10-wheeler a GMC gas job to all the equipment and toys you ended up with from peanut butter jelly sandwiches to gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches love this family love this job and loved his friends I was proud to call him a friend no I call him a brother take care see you on the other side Bobby G and Mary.

Comfort Planter

Paul Rose

Sent Flowers

Paul Rose

November 19, 2021

BJ, You taught me how to drive a truck but most of all, you taught a farm boy the street. You were my BEST friend growing up. I will miss you my friend. So sad to hear this, Paul Rose

Michelle Flammia - Moriarty

November 19, 2021

Rest inPeace BJ I'll always hold a special place for you in my heart since you were the man that gave me away on my wedding day. I'm thankful for your friendship and especially what you meant to my mom and dad, Robert and Beatrice Flammia whom you'll be reunited with once again as you journey home. Time and life may have distanced us but not our memories of what you meant to our family.

Nicole Lopes

November 18, 2021

Mr. B had such a big heart. He treated us like family, always asking about our girls. I’ll miss seeing his truck roll in the shop, stopping by for lunch, full of stories about his past. He was such a joy to be around and he will be truly missed.

Bob DeVenne

November 18, 2021

Bobby was a great friend. don't remember how many many years ago we met. We went on the motorcycles everywhere, on his boat the Fandango out of Pickering Wharf. he even flew me to the Cape for lunch one day. I'm glad I just got to see him and his son Robbie a few weeks back when they stopped by , not knowing it was the last time. Lot of great memories. Rest in peace my dear friend. Bob DeVenne.

Donna Mandriota

November 18, 2021

Can't believe Bobby is gone. Somehow he always seemed larger than life. Started as a business acquaintance but became a friend through his generosity and good humor. He always spoke so proudly and lovingly of Julie. SO happy to have known him. Donna

bob gentry

November 17, 2021

Bobby started out a customer and quickly grew into a friendship !!! I will always remember his generosity toward all my employees and the night Julie, Bill Thompson and his wife went to dinner at Felicias for dinner!!!

Matthew Aquaro

November 17, 2021

I always considered you family, you treated me like another son, you shared experiences and knowledge with me and were always in my corner. I can't say enough about you and all the memories I have, on the boat, out for lunch, driving you around, sitting in the "confessional" , working for and with you. If I ever was in a spot where I was unsure of the next move I knew I could count on you to be there. Your family is my family, I wish them peace and comfort at this difficult time, RIP BJ, I love you and will always be here for your family.

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Nov

20

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Murphy Funeral Home - Salem

85 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970

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Murphy Funeral Home - Salem

85 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970