James E. "Jim" Soule

He is survived by his wife of over 33 years, Maria Connie Soule; his children: Jennifer Smith, wife Courtney; Nichole Sliney, husband Justin; Nicholas Soule; Alyssa Soule; and his beloved grandchildren: Sarah Elizabeth Ziccardi, husband Anthony; Ethan Justin Sliney; Emma Rose Sliney; Haley Anne Soule; Jack Paul Smith; and James Richard Smith.

Predeceased by his parents George Howard Soule, and Mary Claire (Worcester) Soule.

Jim was one of seven children including: Mark Soule, wife Marie; Mary McGlone, husband Tim; the late Michael Soule, wife Joanne; Mathew Soule; Mitchell Soule, wife Georgina; and the late George Soule.

A self-described import to Fall River by way of Bridgewater, MA, Jim was a man of many passions & accomplishments but none more so than that for his family and his love of history. Jim was kinder than most and approached everything in life, especially its problems, with an optimism difficult to maintain in today’s world.

Jim joined the United States Army Reserve in 1985 and worked in the VA Boston healthcare system starting as a switchboard operator and working in the mailroom when he was 18. He earned his license as a Respiratory Therapist and later as a Registered Nurse. He also worked at Davis Park VA in Providence, RI, and Gabriel Care in Fall River.

A Veteran himself, Jim felt honored to care for Veterans and always took the time to listen and learn his patients’ stories. In doing this, he was able to advocate for them and their families in so many ways. Such as, assisting with obtaining their service-connected benefits or awards that had never been merited or lost in the system.

As a RN in the VA Boston’s Home-Based Primary Care Program, Jim always went above and beyond his job description for each Veteran in his care. He could often be found fixing plumbing problems, installing air-conditioners, or picking up recliners for his patients’ needs. It was Jim’s way, his mission, and the reason he was loved and respected by his patients and his co-workers, who continue to reach out to him even after his retirement in April 2023.

It was at the VA Boston where Jim met the love of his life, Connie, and where their love story began. That’s when Jim relocated to Fall River and they purchased a historic home, and with his vision, they lovingly restored it together.

Their home preservation project was a true labor of love, which led to Jim’s grassroots effort to re- establish the then-defunct Fall River Preservation Society in the living room of his home with like-minded friends. He successfully applied for and obtained non-profit status and the journey began in 2005. Since then, Jim led the Preservation Society of Fall River to develop the historic street signs promoting the Highlands National Historic District, the Historic House Marker program, establish the city’s first protected historic district, help pass the Community Preservation Act in Fall River, laying the foundation for a Fall River Underground Railroad Museum, and purchase four historic properties in the city within five years, totaling 16 housing units, becoming a certified community housing development organization with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

 Jim & Connie enjoyed traveling together, especially road trips exploring historic districts. They fell in love with Savannah, GA where he was inspired by its historic revitalization. He thought of “Fall River as being Savannah Georgia’s northern sister, 15 miles upriver from the ocean. All this architecture and history is just waiting to be tapped into. The loss of appreciation for our history would lead to Fall River becoming like any place else.”

Jim enjoyed reading and had a vast collection, usually reading two to three books at a time. He refused to use electronic devices to read, stating there was something about holding a book to read that feels good. He loved reading excerpts that had special meaning aloud to Connie, always including her in his thoughts.

Jim was an avid sailor, sailing for over 30 years and sharing this passion with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved sailing his vessel “Lost Soule” around the bay, and to Third Beach to spend the night before proceeding to one of the islands, especially their favorite, Cuttyhunk. They sailed together to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Block Island, and Provincetown. He truly enjoyed sailing wherever the wind would take him. He loved to find a protected cove to anchor, have lunch, and jump off the boat for a cool down refreshing swim.

Jim’s passion for sailing and history ran in his DNA, being a direct Mayflower descendent of pilgrim George Soule and obtaining his certification of lineage through the Mayflower Society. His and Connie’s research involved visiting many town halls in the region for birth, marriage, and death certificates to prove his Mayflower connection. During this research, the society connected his lineage, not only to his 9th great grandfather, but to seven other Mayflower pilgrims as well.

Jim was often referred to as “the calm in the storm” by his family and friends who will deeply miss him.

Calling Hours for Jim will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street Fall River.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Preservation Society of Fall River, Inc., at 263 Pine Street Apt. B1, Fall River, MA, 02720.