James N. Dunbar, a Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence and husband of the late Claudia (Brandao) Dunbar of Tiverton, died on Ash Wednesday, 2/17/21. He was also the widower of the late Jane (Dorr) Dunbar.

Born in Providence, the son of the late Andrew W. Dunbar and the late Eloise (McGrath) Dunbar, he graduated from LaSalle Academy and attended St. Columban’s Seminary. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College, and a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Providence College.

A former teacher, he was news reporter and editor at the Fall River Herald News during a 35-year career prior to retiring in 1994. He was former writer-editor at the Providence Visitor, newspaper of the Diocese of Providence, and news editor at The Anchor, newspaper of the Diocese of Fall River.

He was a US Army veteran and a former executive officer of the Artillery Company of Newport, RIM.  He was a charter member and first commanding officer of The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts.

He was a former cantor, lector, and eucharistic minister at his home parish, St. Theresa’s in Tiverton.  Ordained a Permanent Deacon on October 10, 1998, by Bishop Robert E. Mulvee in SS Peter and Paul Cathedral, Providence, he served for 19 years at Jesus Saviour Parish in Newport, with ministry at Newport Hospital.

He leaves a son, Mark A. Dunbar of Chapel Hill NC, and daughters Lori Harvey of Riverside, Carol Smith of Cranston, Diane Moonjian of Houston, Tex., Nancy Hoffman of Austin, Tex., and Julia Hans of Mint Hill, NC. He also leaves 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a sister, Eloise Martel of Warren.

The funeral will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, from Pocasset Funeral Home, 462 Main Road, Tiverton. His funeral Mass will be at 10 at Jesus Saviour Church, Newport, with interment in Pocasset Hill Cemetery, Tiverton.  Visitation from 8:15 to 9:15 am prior to the Mass at the Funeral Home.  Donations may be made to Jesus Saviour Church.  www.almeida-pocasset.com for on line guest book.