James Bradley Pinette

Born in Haverhill, MA on September 6, 1985, James was the son of Karen Bradley Pinette and the late Robert J. Pinette Jr. He was also predeceased by his beloved Uncle John Pinette and grandparents Edwin and Margaret Bradley and Robert and Louise Pinette.

In addition to his mother, James is survived by many loving aunts and uncles, including Gary Bradley, Susan Bradley, Bob Bradley, Mary Beth and Jim Mills, Joan and Brian Lewis, Amy Hubley, Dotty and Dr. Guy Nardella and Kathy, Bill Reinersmann and Thomas Ryan. He is further survived by many close cousins including Ellen Bradley, Joanna Bradley, Maggie Mills, Gretchen Mills, Michael Mills, Andrea Hubley, Kathryn Welsh, Kristin Nardella, Allison Reinersmann and John Reinersmann.

James attended Cogswell Elementary School, Hunking Middle School and graduated in 2002 from Whittier Regional Technical High School all located in Haverhill, MA.

James moved with his family to Westbrook in 2006. For several years he held various positions at Walmart in Old Saybrook. His favorite was being a greeter and welcoming the public into the store. From Walmart he moved to Walgreens where he stocked and kept the shelves meticulously organized. Unfortunately, the pandemic ultimately interfered with continued retail employment.

James had many interests and was always curious about the world around him. His most active hobby focused on fans. He was primarily interested in antique fans but that did not stop him from researching and developing an extraordinary depth of knowledge about any kind of fan: standing, ceiling, window, new, old or antique. His personal collection of antique fans numbered nearly 100! Just to make sure he was always on top of the latest and greatest information about fans, James traveled with his family to the Fan Fair Convention every year where he met other fan enthusiasts from all over the world. He made many close friendships in the fan community and gathered with several of them at each convention he attended.

James was also fascinated by the Harley Davidson rallies in Milwaukee and was beyond excited about attending the 100th anniversary celebration in 2003. Milwaukee was of course a favorite spot to visit for whatever was going on there because Mary Beth and Jim and their three children live there and were ready with open arms to have James visit anytime he wanted.

James had other areas of expertise too: he was a connoisseur of the cheeseburger at any dining establishment, he knew every breakfast item at Mirsina’s and The Shack, he loved Italian dinners at Luigi’s and fried fish dinners at Lenny and Joe’s. To accompany these meals, he preferred Coke or Mountain Dew unless he was encouraged to drink water by his mom.

James enjoyed music generally but was particularly drawn to country music. Garth Brooks and Dwight Yoakam were among his favorites. He loved dogs, although he never had one of his own. And he loved children … being in their company, entertaining them and making them laugh.

Finally, James was fascinated by all types of sirens. He lived near Westbrook Fire Station and always looked forward to visiting, talking to the firemen and examining the trucks with all of their life saving gear. He knew when they were going out and was keenly aware of the difference between ambulance, fire and police sirens.

Throughout his life, James epitomized purity, innocence and compassion. He always had a kind word and a warm smile. He deeply loved his family and friends and he, in turn, was loved by all who knew him. His family and the community will miss him tremendously.

Calling hours will be held Friday, February 14, 2025, from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm at Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT, followed by a celebration of his life at Luigi’s Restaurant, 1295 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT.