James Arruda

James (Jim) Pimental Arruda, 85, of North Dartmouth, formerly of Fall River, passed away Thursday, August 1, 2024, with his family at his side.

After returning from service in the U.S. Army, Jim was first employed at Hascon, in Taunton, as a machine operator before working for Bristol County at the Bank Street and Superior Courts for 28 years.

Besides his wife of 57 years, Jo-Ann L. (Brodeur) Arruda, he leaves five children: Christine McMahon, Karen Medeiros (husband Jeffrey), Kevin Arruda (significant other Brooke Silva), Cheryl Babbitt (husband Russell), and Jason Arruda (wife Erica).

He was a loving and doting grandfather to 14 grandchildren: Mason McMahon; Aubrey, Bryce, and Camden Medeiros; Lyric, Reagan, and Emmit Arruda; Parker, Lachlan, Alistair, and Gwendolyn Babbitt; and Jagger, Julian, and Emmerson Arruda.

He leaves behind four siblings: Raymond, Ronald, and Richard Arruda and Joan Larrivee, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his siblings Natalie Raposa, Delores DeNardo, Barbara Augustine, and John, Thomas, Joseph, and Walter Arruda. He was the son of the late Jose and Edith (Pimental) Arruda.

Jim was a man of few words, in the best possible way, but also enjoyed “stirring the pot” when the mood struck. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, beginning with childhood bus trips to sit in the bleachers at Fenway Park, courtesy of the Fall River Boys and Girls Club. He coached baseball for the St. Anne’s Collies, and volunteered at St. Anne’s School and Bishop Connolly High School for Bingo Nights, when he wasn’t playing bingo himself.

His favorite ways to pass the time included spending and winning negligible amounts of money at casinos, playing cards with his brothers and sisters, spending far more time lounging in the sun than recommended, going out to dinner with his wife and friends, and making spectacular stuffed quahogs for his family.

Despite the many hats Jim wore through the years, it would seem that his true calling in life was to be a grandfather, and he clearly preferred their company. He spoiled them rotten whenever possible with lollipops, non-sanctioned sugary drinks, and occasionally, cold hard cash. His legacy will surely be preserved in their memories of him.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 16, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St., Fall River.

His funeral will be held Saturday, August 17, at 9:00 AM from the funeral home with a Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Church, Fall River, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fall River Boys and Girls Club.