Dr. James W. Pelletier

Jim fervently believed in the power of education for the good of mankind. He began his teaching career at his alma mater, BMC Durfee High School in 1958. There he met a charming first-year biology teacher whose classroom was around the corner from his. He and Barbara married in 1963. In 1966, Jim became a founding faculty member at Bristol Community College (BCC). He taught generations of students chemistry, astronomy, and “The History and Philosophy of Science,” his signature seminar course which used the life of Galileo to guide students on their own path of scientific discovery. He was also instrumental in developing the Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Dental Hygiene, and Nursing programs as BCC moved to a more career-based curriculum. At a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of BCC in 2015 he said, “It’s been satisfying to see my students leave here, become leaders in their community and contribute — that’s what it’s all about.” Dr. Pelletier retired from teaching in 2019.

Jim grew up in Fall River and spent summers on South Watuppa Pond where he sailed a Marconi-rigged Whitecap. After his marriage, Jim and Barbara built a home on the shore of the Sakonnet River in Tiverton on a piece of property they received as a wedding gift from the bride’s parents. The Whitecap now sailed the Sakonnet on the afternoon sea breeze. As the family grew to include three children – Ann, Kim, and Jim (aka Tiger), this little sloop became a place for afternoon naps. With Jim at the tiller, the children were lulled to sleep by the sound of the water lapping against the hull while he serenaded them with the songs of his youth.

Also an avid swimmer, in spring Jim would often be the first in and the last out when the leaves turned in fall. Well into his 80’s he would take an almost daily swim from jetty to jetty along the shore.

He was active in the Greater Fall River Community and served with a number of organizations including on the inaugural board of the USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, as President of the Fall River Symphony, and was founder of the Massachusetts Region III Science Fair. Later in life, Jim and Barbara worked together to better the lives of stray and abused animals by founding Placing Paws.

As his children entered school, he supported them in their interests including serving as PTO president – very unusual in those days and starting TEMPO, with Barbara, to support music education in Tiverton schools.

As grandchildren arrived he became an avid spectator at their sporting events – shouting (and we mean shouting) encouragement from the sidelines. Though the enthusiasm was there, the direction did not always match the play at hand.

Jim was a proud “Hilltopper,” graduating from BMC Durfee High School in 1948. He earned his Baccalaureate at Stonehill College in 1953, Masters at Bridgewater State College in 1962 and Doctorate in Education from NOVA Southeastern University in Florida in 1976. Jim also proudly served with the United States Army in Germany as a Medical Specialist.

He was born in 1931, the youngest son of Octave Pelletier and Sarah (Croskery). He is predeceased by his sisters Mary and Therese, and brother Ozzie. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Fischer Pelletier of Tiverton; daughter Ann Strong and her husband, Joseph of Barrington, RI; daughter Kim Pelletier and her significant other Ronald M. Leitzel, of PA and AZ; and son James (Tiger) Pelletier and his wife Melissa, of Tiverton along with grandchildren Joshua Pelletier and his wife Fanni of Portland, OR; Joseph (JJ) Strong of Swansea; Samuel Pelletier of Tiverton; and Madison Pelletier of Tiverton.

His Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River followed by burial in Hillside Cemetery, Tiverton. Men's neckties are respectfully omitted. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Contributions in his honor may be made to Massachusetts Region III Science Fair, 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA 02720.