James Otto Soules Sr., 93, died Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington. James was born in Lee on January 27, 1930, the son of Harry and Bertha (Bailey) Soules. He was educated in Monterey Schools.
James was a master woodworker. He worked at Wyman Lumber Co. in Hartsville and for William Gillette Construction for over 30 years as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
James loved woodworking and going to the Claire Teague Senior Center in Great Barrington, where he would donate Bluebird houses that he built.
James is survived by his two sons, James Soules Jr. of Stockbridge and Peter Soules Sr. and his wife Kelly of Sheffield; his companion Rita Valliere; his seven grandchildren, Robin, Peter Jr., Jonathan, Christopher, Amanda, Cassandra, and Kimberly; his 14 great-grandchildren, Jackson, Carter, Isabella, Sophia, Audrey, Serenity, Chandler, Christopher, Brennan, Riley, Shayne, Kayley, Sierra, and Evannah; and two great-great-grandchildren. James was predeceased by his four brothers, Harry, Carl, Paul, and Norman Soules Sr., and his grandson, Thomas Soules.
Funeral services for James Soules Sr. will be held on Thursday, November 2, at 12 p.m., at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230, officiated by Reverend Nick Foss. Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in James’ memory may be made to the Claire Teague Senior Center in Care of the funeral home. Condolences may be made through the funeral home’s website.
