James "Jim" R. Transue

James R. Transue, of Wakefield, RI, passed away on December 27, 2025. He was born in New York City on February 2, 1933, to William R. Transue and Florence (Coleman) Transue.

Jim was raised by his aunt, Marion Rickert, on Lake Waccabuc in Lewisboro, NY. He graduated from Katonah High School in 1951 and joined the Navy in 1952, becoming a Communication Technician and listening to Russian transmissions while stationed in Morrocco. Jim returned to the United States in 1956 and attended Portland Junior College before transferring to Clark University. He left school to work as a reporter for the Patent Trader, a regional paper in Westchester County, NY, for 12 years, where he earned awards from the New York Press Association for his column on the editorial page. After a stint as Congressman Richard L. Ottinger's speechwriter, Jim joined the staff of Travel Weekly, a national magazine for the travel industry. During his 25+ years with Travel Weekly, he rose from reporter, to the Europe Editor, to an award-winning senior editor. Jim loved the required traveling and working with and meeting people from around the world.

In 1999, Jim retired and moved to Rhode Island to be closer to family. He bought a house in Narragansett and started to volunteer with Southern Rhode Island Volunteers. In 2004, his work was recognized with a State Resolution naming him a Volunteer of the Year. Jim also became an active volunteer with the South County Museum, helping to lead tours and researching and recording the Museum's acquisitions.

Jim was smart, witty and fun loving. He loved to play chess and, with his extensive vocabulary, was a master Scrabble player. He was an accomplished piano player and composed music for fun. Jim was an avid reader and had a vast library. He moved to Brightview Assisted Living last year after a stroke and quickly became a well-loved resident. For many years, he and a posse of wonderful friends dined out weekly. Jim (aka "Unc") was a favorite uncle and will be missed by his nieces, Lynlee (Jack) Riccio of Milford, CT, Marlee (Ken) Lacoste of Block Island, RI and nephew, Andrew (Hillary) Transue of Block Island, RI.

All who knew Jim are invited to join his friends and family on Sunday, February 1st from 1-3 pm at the South County Museum, 115 Strathmore St., Narragansett, RI 02882.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim's name to the South County Museum. Donations can be mailed to: PO Box 709, Narragansett, RI 02882 or made online at: DONATE ' South County Museum