James M. Fernandes, a devoted husband, loving father and kind-hearted man, passed away peacefully on December 22nd surrounded by the family he cherished so deeply.

He was born on February 21, 1944, in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal to Gilda and Joao Fernandes. He is survived by his beloved wife, Odete Fernandes.

Their story began when they were in high school, a bond that grew into a lifetime partnership marked by devotion and enduring love. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past November.

He was a proud and devoted father to his two daughters, Sandra Carangelo and her husband, Chris-Michael Carangelo of North Smithfield, Rhode Island and Elizabeth Cottrell and her husband, Ted Cottrell of Melrose, Massachusetts. He found immense joy in being Vavo to his three grandchildren, Caleb, Isabella and Gabriel Cottrell who were the light of his life. He is also survived by his brother, Orlando Fernandes and his sister Gloria Medeiros of Portugal and many nieces and nephews in the U.S., Canada, and Portugal.

As a young man, he served in the Portuguese army before immigrating to the U.S. to marry his longtime love, Odete. Together they built a life rooted in family and perseverance. He worked in the health care field for many years supporting the manufacturing of lifesaving and life-changing medical technologies. He loved gardening, being by the ocean, traveling and exploring new things. He believed in staying busy, staying engaged and spending time with his family.

Above all else, he was a caring and generous soul. He led by example, teaching his family about his faith, the values of hard work, and the importance of showing up for one another. His greatest legacy will be his deep faith in Jesus Christ, the unwavering love he had for his family, and the way he lived out those beliefs through kindness, gentleness, and humility. Family – familia – was always his highest priority and all who knew him remember the warmth of his spirit, his quiet strength and the care he showed to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and remembered forever.

Mass Of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Saint Mary's Church, Herbert Street, Melrose at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Lake Street, Peabody. Family & Friends respectfully invited to attend.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dementia Society Of America. https://www.dementiasociety.org/