James J. Dufault Sr., 75 of Dover, FL, and formerly of Lincoln, RI, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.  He was the beloved husband of Janice R. (Dansereau) Dufault, and they had been married for the past 55 years after a courtship of four years.  As soon as they met, they became inseparable in their loving relationship and were always known as "Janice and Jimmy".

Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Halbert M. and Emma L. (Follett) Dufault.  He resided in Florida for the past 17 and a half years, previously residing on Martin's Way in Lincoln, RI for most of his life.

Mr. Dufault was a United States Navy Veteran, serving during the Vietnam era and was honorably discharged after his faithful service to our country.

James worked in the Automotive Parts Industry in many capacities and most recently retired from NAPA Auto Parts in Brandon, FL where he made many new friends and was described as "fun to talk to" by the customers he supported. He was known as "Jim" and affectionately called "Pepere".  He enjoyed home improvement projects, golfing, but his biggest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren which included taking them to theme parks and as they went on different roller coasters with him, they became part of "Pepere's Roller Coaster Club."  Those who love him will remember him as a patient, loving, and kind soul who loved to be social and had the gift to strike up a conversation with almost anyone.

In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves his children, James J. Dufault Jr. and his wife Christine E. Dufault of Lancaster, SC, Lori Ann Eastwood and her husband Scott G. Eastwood of Pawtucket, RI; Michelle L. Stevens of Lincoln, RI; and Gary D. Dufault and his wife Holly A. Dufault of Riverview, FL;  his siblings, Helen Taylor and husband John Taylor of Ridge, MD, Halbert M. Dufault Jr. and his wife Marie Dufault of Vernon, CT;  his cherished grandchildren, Megan, Scott, Christopher, Emmalee, Samantha, Lyndsey,  Caitlyn, Briana, Shauna, Allison, Joseph, Amy; his great-grandchildren, Andrew, Jayden, Julian, Odin, and Elijah; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was the brother of the late Elizabeth Tyrrell, Lester Dufault, Sr. Catherine Dufault RSM, Carolyn Jacques, Lester Dufault, John Dufault, and David Dufault.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to James's Life Celebration to be held with Visiting Hours on Tuesday, December 10, 2024  from 4 to 7 PM and continue on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 9 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM in the St. Jude Church, Front Street, Lincoln.  Burial will follow with military honors at Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Mighty Meredith Foundation, (https://www.mightymeredith.com/donate), an organization that is near and dear to Jim's heart that assists children with traumatic brain injuries similar to his great-grandson, Odin.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com