James E. Rockwell

James E. Rockwell, 71, of Narragansett, Rhode Island, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, after a valiant battle with bladder cancer. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1952, he was the oldest child of Regina (Letrick) and the late John J. Rockwell.

Jim was born and raised in Brownsville, PA. Known to his mom as “Jimmy,” and to many friends as “Rocky,” he graduated from the Brownsville Area High School in Brownsville, PA. In 1976, Jim moved to Rhode Island and made it his home.

A machinist by trade, Jim was employed at Brown & Sharpe and Electric Boat, in the late 1970’s. Since 1980, Jim worked as a terminal operator for Sun Oil Company, Texaco Oil Company, Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC, for 39 years, collectively.

Jim was an avid fisherman, gardener, and tinkerer. He loved learning new computer skills, working on car engines, and being at the beach. He took great pride in his home at the beach which kept him busy making improvements. Jim loved to travel when he could and visiting New Zealand was a highlight of his travels. He loved his time spent with his children, grandchildren, siblings, mom and his beloved cat Goldie.

He is survived by his four children Angel Fontaine (Ray) of Derry, NH, Janel Rockwell of Carolina, RI, James Cedric Rockwell of Pawtucket, RI, Justin Rockwell (Angela) of Glenn Dale, MD; his former wife, Dr. Alicia Storey of Carolina, RI; his six grandchildren: Trent Rockwell and his fiancé Nikkee Valliere, Trinity Wilk, Elizabeth Fontaine, Samuel Fontaine, Alexander Rockwell and Avery Rockwell; four siblings Kathleen Rockwell Daschke of West Brownsville, PA, Dr. Theodore Rockwell (Julie) of Clarion, PA, Lawrence Rockwell (Amy) of West Brownsville, PA, and Nancy Rockwell of West Brownsville, PA; 18 nieces and nephews, and many good friends.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea, Narragansett, RI. Calling hours will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. prior to the mass at Avery Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. Interment will be held at Lafayette Memorial Park in Briar Hill, PA at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to thank the staff at South County Hospital for the care they provided to Jim over the last year.