JAMES R. POTTER

POTTER, JAMES R., 81, of Coventry, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. He was the loving husband of nearly 40 years to Rebecca (Butler) Potter.  

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Harold F.  and Beryl E. (White) Potter.

A lifelong resident of Coventry, Jim was a graduate of Coventry High School’s Class of 1962.  In school he was very active in 4H and the FFA.  He was a skilled mat-man and ball player.  After school he was instrumental in establishing the Coventry Men’s Softball League and the Kent County Semi-fast League. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the 1960s.  

His favorite past times included softball (there wasn’t a ball that he couldn’t field!) golf and the 19th hole, & horseshoes.  He enjoyed NASCAR and watching sports, rooting for his local teams.  He spent a lot of time snowmobiling up north.  Jim was a member of the free masons.  He dropped and split his own firewood well into his seventies.  

He enjoyed hanging out with and traveling with his best friend, his wife, Becky.  From tropical destinations, trips to Vegas, to camping in Lake George, horse-racing in Saratoga, driving around Ireland.  They attended sports events, NASCAR races, enjoyed snowmobiling together, shooting pool.  There’s endless notebooks of card games, usually won by Jim.

Jim was self employed for most of his life.  Operating his own machinery, buying and selling real estate.  He surveyed and developed much of the land in the Coventry/West Greenwich area.  Later in life, he mowed grass at Fenner Hill Golf Course and Foster Country Club.

He was the proud father of Karen L. Potter, her partner Kyle Phillips, Philip J. Potter, his wife Stacy Metivier-LaFazia, James Potter Jr., Kathryn L. Houck, her late husband Matthew L. Houck, John G. Potter. Grandfather of Jack Lyon and Gordon Abraham Houck. Loving brother of the late Curtis H. Potter. He is also survived by his former wife, Janet T. Potter, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family throughout the country.  

His funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Road (ROUTE 3), Coventry. Burial to follow at Woodland Cemetery Annex, Coventry. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JAMES R. POTTER, please visit our floral store.