James "Jamie" Frances Rayta

James (Jamie) Frances Rayta (2/6/1965-1/29/2021) of South Kingstown, RI passed away unexpectedly on January 29, 2021. A beloved son, father, brother, uncle, and plumber he was known to be charismatic and the life of the party. Jamie was the heart and soul of the Rayta family, his ability to make anyone smile was God sent. His laugh was contagious and irresistible. He will be remembered fondly by his family, friends, and customers. Jamie was born in Narragansett, RI to Demetrio Sr. (Jimmy) and Mary (Cipriano) Rayta. He was a happy, energetic, rambunctious, and curious child. He was known to be Mary’s favorite, rising early every morning to enjoy tea and toast with her before school and attending mass with her weekly. He was an altar server, a good student, known to always be on time, and a phenomenal athlete, who played both baseball and football. His speed and agility earned him the nickname “cricket”. His athleticism was recognized by the community and the family who very rarely missed a practice or game. Jamie spent his childhood summers at Narragansett Beach, bathing in the sun and “mingling with the ladies.” Jamie graduated from Narragansett High School in 1984 and joined the Navy. Some of his fondest memories are from his days as a sailor. His favorite experiences included travel to Japan, California, Spain and Puerto Rico. He was also very proud to have participated in The War Games representing the Navy in the Philippines. When speaking about his Navy days Jamie would often recall how he had become “internationally known by the ladies”. James was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Narragansett, RI following the death of his beloved mother, Mary. It was at this time that he began working as a lobsterman, earning the nickname “GQ lobster man” because he always took pride in his appearance, even when fishing hundreds of miles offshore. His friends fondly remember spending weekends dancing the night away at Barry's nightclub until he met Jacqueline (Jackie) McCaughey. Jackie remembers the first time she met Jamie, when he advised her to “drop that zero and get with this hero”. She took his advice and they were married in 1997-2005. She remembers Jamie as “always being happy, a great husband and father who could never say no.” Jamie and Jackie had 2 beautiful children, Michael and Samantha. It was at this time that Jamie decided to become a plumber so that he may spend more time with his growing family. He attended and graduated from the Newport Trade School and partnered with his brother Mark. Jamie and Mark spent the past 20+ years working side by side, the business they built was a source of pride and joy for both of them. Jamie had a reputation for “being in phenomenal shape”- often mistaken for the “rock”. He lifted weights almost daily. In 2005, on his daily pre workout DD coffee run he met his future wife Samantha Cook, they were married in 2013-2018, they had two beautiful daughters, Mia and Penelope (baby P). His son Michael, 31, is a Warwick firefighter, who remembers his dad to be the best backyard quarterback, who has made him the man he is today. He resides in North Kingstown with his wife Bonnie, they are expecting a daughter in February, who will be named Cali Jamie Rayta, after her papi. Jamie was looking forward to playing and swinging at the park with his granddaughter. His daughter, Samantha, “his baby girl”, 21, resides in South Kingstown working in the medical field. Mia, 11, and Penelope, 6, reside in North Kingstown. Samantha remembers her dad to be larger than life, always making time to play, everyday there was a new toy and giant candy canes - all year round. He was a fixture at the local playground and Indian Lake Shores with all of his children, nieces and nephews. Jamie will be missed dearly by his siblings Demetrio Jr., Myers, Rosanna, Joanna, Mark, and Paul who passed away in 2011. Demetrio Jr. and his partner Shannon remember Jamie as being “perfect in every way” and never forgetting to reach out on a birthday or holiday. His niece Hilary remembers him to be charming, with a great sense of humor, affecting those around him in a positive way. Myers and his partner Wendy shared a love for TV programs and Myers’ homemade pumpkin seeds, with Jamie. Rosanna remembers Jamie’s daily calls, checking on her and the boys, and loved how much he enjoyed her cooking and Italian egg biscuits. His nephews Christian and Calvin remember Uncle Jamie to be generous, clown funny, dancing and singing all the time and overall a nice guy. Joanna recalls that Jamie was giving, fun and energetic who called her daily giving her the weather reports and would take a spanking for any of his siblings. Her son Chris, remembers Uncle Jamie picking him up from school in the Jetta, bumping 2Pac, going to the movies, eating endless Twizzlers, playing football and Super Nintendo. Mark, Jamie’s “ride or die”, and his wife Nicole feel blessed to have had the privilege to spend every day with Jamie. Mark and Jamie are the definition of a “brothers bond”- no matter what they always looked out for each other. Similar in every way, side by side for every job, joke for joke and endless brotherly love. His nephew Josh remembers “unc” Jamie as being inspiring, loved to teach, and his best friend. His nephew Nicholas remembers him being consistently there, making him feel like a proud Rayta, accepting him for who he was, “ayy guy, real quick, 0-100”. His nephew Michael remembers him as a good teacher, patient, “ride or die”, happy and hard working. His nephew Jason remembers him as being thoughtful and invincible. His great niece Meckenize remembers him as always making her feel welcome and loved, believing in her always, her snack buddy and like a father. Paul, the baby, was Jamie’s partner in crime. The family remembers them “riding dirty and making a lot of magic”. His niece Caitlyn and her mother Jen will always be thankful for Jamie stepping in, and giving her love and attention when she needed it. Jamie was the heart and soul of the Rayta family, his ability to make anyone smile was God sent. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 10am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield. The Mass will be live streamed, to view please visit the church's YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/stfranciswakefield