James "Jim" Forrest Pease

Jim graduated from Bentley College in Boston, Massachusetts in 1965, earning a Bachelor’s in Accounting—an early reflection of the steady diligence and careful thoughtfulness that would shape his life and work.

He began his career at Rubber Thread in Easthampton, Massachusetts, and later was recruited by Stanley Home Products, also in Easthampton. Before taking early retirement, he worked at Star Press in Holyoke, Massachusetts. After retiring and moving to New Bern, North Carolina, Jim went on to work for Hatteras Yachts, retiring again in 2006. Across each chapter, he was known as a dependable, hard-working presence—someone who brought both competence and consideration to the people alongside him.

On June 26, 1965, Jim married Cathy, and together they raised three daughters in Southampton, Massachusetts. He was a great father, grandfather, and loving husband, and his family remembers him as kind-hearted and deeply thoughtful, with a warm sense of humor that so often showed itself in an easy smile. He loved animals, loved people, and made others feel welcome simply by being himself.

Jim’s interests reflected both devotion and curiosity. He helped his father on the dairy farm and found joy in photography, bicycling, gardening, world traveling, and boating—pursuits that suited his steady spirit and appreciation for life’s everyday beauty as well as its wider horizons.

He served for many years as a Volunteer Firefighter in Southampton, Massachusetts, giving his time with quiet generosity and a strong sense of responsibility. He was involved in church throughout his life, and in his final days he was involved in Come Again Respite Support Group at Trinity UMC in New Bern, North Carolina—finding community, care, and connection there.

Left to cherish his memory and continue in his legacy are his wife of 60 years Cathy, daughters Betsy Schabacker (Donny) of Southampton, MA, Laura Padilla (Marcell) of Madison, AL, Cindy Kinder of Georgetown, SC, two granddaughters Catie Padilla of Spring Mills, PA and Maggie Padilla of Rochester, NY, and sisters Bunny Huntley (David) and Kris Canton (Kevin) both of Southampton, MA.

In addition to his parents he is predeceased by son in law Luke Kinder.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Garden House at Truewood Senior Living for their care and encouragement in addition to all of their friends at Trinity UMC for their endless support and prayers.

He will be missed by all those who had the honor to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in his honor to New Bern Community Respite Care (919) 428-0618 at newbernrespite.org or the charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 24, 2026 beginning at 1:00pm with a Celebration of Jim's Life beginning at 2:00pm at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2311 Elizabeth Ave., New Bern, NC 28562.

Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of James "Jim" Forrest Pease.