James E. Dias

James Eugene Dias, 94, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021 after a brief illness. He passed away peacefully at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Florida. James, also known as Jim, was born on June 16, 1927 in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Mary (May) Marcy and Eugene James Dias and was the loving husband for almost 50 years of the late Joan Madeline Kutneski who he married in 1951. Jim was also the loving brother to his late sister, Dorothy Pimentel.

In 1945, Jim proudly joined the United States Navy serving in World War II. During his tenure, Jim received the American Area Ribbon as well as the World War II Victory and Asiatic- Pacific Theatre Medals. Jim was honorably discharged in July of 1946 as a Seaman Second Class.

As a young man, Jim held many jobs assisting with family owned business which included a Seafood store that Jim mentioned was currently known as The Fish Company nightclub in Providence, RI.

It was during his time in the Navy that Jim began his career in Engineering. Jim held so many jobs that his colleagues at the RI Department of Transportation would write on a wall anytime Jim would mention a different job that he held and at last count, they listed over 60! Jim retired from the RI Department of Transportation as a Resident Engineer after 19 years of service. Jim spent many years living in Providence, Hope Valley, Foster, and Warwick, Rhode Island before retiring to Sarasota, Florida.

Jim enjoyed visiting with close friends and family in Rhode Island and Maine, volunteering for the Democratic Party, visiting with the American Legion Post 24 in Bradenton while he was the Vice Commander, taking care of family's yards as well as keeping watch of his neighborhood while on his golf cart.

He is survived by his adoring children Russell Dias and his wife Lois of East Providence, Rhode Island and Pamela Chaisson and her husband Lawrence of Bradenton, Florida. He was also the cherished grandfather of Jason Masiello and his wife Kristen of Burrillville, Rhode Island, Elizabeth Semmerling and her husband EJ of Bradenton, Florida, Lisa Dias of East Providence, Rhode Island, Melissa Masiello and her fiancé Ryan Wensel of Bradenton, Florida, and Stephen Dias and his wife Jennifer of West Warwick, Rhode Island who are all known to him as Sonny, Doll and Dahlin'. Jim is also survived by his nephew, Donald Pimentel of Providence, Rhode Island and nine great grandchildren.

A private service will be held for James at the Sarasota, National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's honor may be made to American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24, 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsmemorial.com for the Dias family.