James T. Bynum

Born in Groveton, Texas, a son of the late Arthur G. and Reba D. (Thompson) Bynum, he had lived in Fall River for many years. Prior to that, he made his home in Boston for more than 30 years.

Jim originally came to Boston after completing his undergraduate degree at Oberlin College. He came to study piano at New England Conservatory and after several years, he began working at the Boston Conservatory where he eventually rose to Dean of Financial before retiring.

In addition to being a fine pianist and organist, Jim was a consummate cook and entertainer as well as a master at restoring and preserving historic homes. He and John restored their lovely brownstone in Boston before turning their attention and talents to restoring and preserving their home in Fall River. He was also an excellent knitter.

After John’s death earlier this year, as well as the loss of dear friends Barbara Hargrave of New Paltz, New York, and Terry Dicema of Boston, Massachusetts, Jim intended to return to the family property in East Texas and live there, close to many of his cousins and their families. Since his retirement from Boston Conservatory, he traveled regularly to Texas, spending time researching and applying for Texas Historic Site designation for the family cemetery in Lovelady, Texas as well as exploring local places that offered the best ice cream, fried catfish, and chicken fried steak!

He is survived by a niece and several nephews, including Pamela Bynum and her husband, Henry Ferrara, of Rockport, Massachusetts, Bruce Bynum and his wife Kathy of Forney, Texas, Brad Bynum of Bohol, Philippines, John Bynum and his wife, Melissa of Dahlonega, Georgia, and Jeff Bynum of Melbourne Florida. Additionally, he is survived by four sisters-in-law, Judy Bynum George of Cleveland, Georgia, Glenda Ireland of Cypress, Texas, Frances “Fran” Souza of South Easton, MA, and Helen Hallin of Downey, CA. He was preceded in death by his older brothers, Arthur Eugene and Jack Lynn Bynum.

Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, Fall River.

For tributes, www.waring-sullivan.com