James R. Kendrigan, 81, of Wareham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022, in his home, surrounded by family. Jim was the devoted husband of Bonnie Lee (England) Kendrigan of Wareham. He was the son of the late Thomas H. and Dorothy (L’Homme) Kendrigan of Wareham, and younger brother of Peter M. Kendrigan of Florida. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Thomas H. Kendrigan, Jr. of Florida.

Jim graduated with Honors from Wareham High School. As a member of the Class of 1958, he was President of the National Honor Society and Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook. Admitted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he instead chose to accept his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He joined his fellow classmates at Annapolis for his plebe year where he made a personal vow to not consume alcohol for the duration of his four years in school. He graduated in the top third of his Class of 1962. Jim passed the psychological examination to then be enlisted as a submariner. He traveled the world onboard USS Archerfish. From Hawaii, to Japan, to Australia, New Zealand, Guam and beyond. He was transferred to USS Pickerel in 1965 and patrolled the waters of the Vietnam combat zone during the Vietnam War. After his time at sea, Jim spent two years at the Pentagon. Upon the completion of his service in the Navy, Jim enrolled at the University of Washington where he graduated with his Masters in Engineering.

Jim then entered the private sector and settled down. He married Bonnie, the love of his life, on March 19, 1976. and raised four children in Westford, Massachusetts. Jim enjoyed bringing his sons to their early morning hockey games, school square dances with his daughters, Friday evening chess matches, watching New England sports, and Jeopardy every weeknight. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing tennis while maintaining an active lifestyle. Jim was humble, kind, and always up for an adventure whether that be skiing Tuckerman Ravine (twice!) a road trip to Florida with his wife, four kids and two dogs crammed into a station wagon, or a college search trip out to California with one of his daughters.

A quiet man of intellect, Jim always enjoyed a good brain challenge.  His face would light up if someone suggested a game of scrabble. He taught his children and grandchildren his beloved game of chess. Jim never sought recognition for his own accomplishments, but instead found joy and happiness watching others shine, especially his children. He had a gentle nature, enjoyed life’s simple pleasures such as taking in the awe of God’s creation on daily walks, and maintained a zealous curiosity about the world.  Introverted by nature, Jim was encouraged by his wife to share his baritone voice in the church choir. His closest friends and relatives will attest to his beautiful rendition of Ol’ Man River which he would often sing at social gatherings.

In addition to his beloved wife of almost 46 years, Jim is survived by his daughters Jennifer E. Kendrigan of Rhode Island; Kathleen A. (Kendrigan) Boyer and her husband Steven and their children Rhett, Henry and June Evelyn of Virginia; and his sons J. Patrick Kendrigan of Massachusetts; and Joseph D. Kendrigan and his wife Kara and their children Myra Rose and Jack Joseph of Massachusetts. He was a loving “Poppy” and “Uncle Jimmy” to many nephews and nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 7th, at St. Patrick’s Church, 94 High St., Wareham, MA at 10 AM. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, February 6th, 2022, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 – 6 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, please have a Mass offered for Jim’s soul at any Catholic church. For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com