James A. Nightingale

James Albert Nightingale, age 80, of Swansea, MA passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the devoted husband to the late Sandra Sherrill (Bell) Nightingale for over 60 years. He was born in New Bedford MA , to the late Albert and Elizabeth (Cooper) Nightingale. ‘Jimmy’ played basketball for the Whalers and was a graduate of New Bedford High School He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst before enlisting in the Army.

A Vietnam Era Army Veteran, Mr. Nightingale served his country from 1958 to 1967 obtaining the rank of Sergeant 1st class. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he continued to serve for over thirty years as a civil servant for Army Intelligence, working and traveling throughout the United States, Asia, South America and Europe. James and Sandra retired to Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia, where they established two successful businesses; Nightingale’s Landing Bed & Breakfast, and The Campling Company, Exclusive Importers and Wholesalers of Boleslawiec Pottery.

It was there that James and Sandra purchased their first Portuguese water dog. ‘Leo’ as he was known, fast became their passion and interest. In 1998, they returned to the USA, living first in Warren RI, and later Swansea, MA. They purchased their second waterdog ‘Lizzy’ and established Stone Cove Kennel. This hobby opened up a whole new world and gave them great joy. They dove in deeply, breeding and showing in AKC shows across New England and as far as Wisconsin and Maryland to the National Specialties. Together they made their way to the Westminster Dog Show to compete.

James was an active member of Christ Church Swansea and officer of the American Legion Post 303. He was a recent attendant and substitute German language teacher at the Swansea Public Library.

He is survived by daughter Dawn Nightingale, son Scott Nightingale and daughter-in law Conchita Nightingale of Taylorsville, NC. James was predeceased by son David Nightingale in 1983. He is survived by his brother and sister-in law Frank and Jane Nightingale of RI, a niece Elizabeth, and nephews James and Benjamin.

He was the proud grandfather of Scotty Nightingale, James Brooks, Kevin Brooks of San Diego County, CA and Sarah Nightingale of Depoe Bay, OR. He is survived by five great grandchildren; Eli, Orion, Aurora, David and Aiden.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, November 25, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Waring- Birchcrest Funeral Home Swansea, MA. All are welcome. Funeral Service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, at Christ Church Main Street Swansea, MA. with burial at Christ Church Cemetery, Swansea. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the Town of Swansea in the care of The Ernest W. Bell Animal Shelter 68 Stevens Rd., Swansea, MA 02777. For directions and tributes, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com