James M. Gleason, 101, of Narragansett Ave, Newport, & Blenheim-Newport died Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Newport Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Frances M. Shea. Born in Newport on September 26, 1907, he was the son of the late John G. and Catherine (Murphy) Gleason.

Jimmie worked many years for the United States Department of Defense as a specialist in the dispersal of surplus assets. He was the past president of Hazard’s Beach Association, a parishioner of St. Augustin’s Church, and a member of the Newport Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and the St. Augustin Holy Name Society.

He had also been the original vice president of the Newport Fifth Ward Little League, director of the Newport CYO, and had served on the executive committee of the ESCIT Tournament.

Jimmie was a great storyteller, especially of old Newport stories. He was an avid sports fan, and also enjoyed fixing things. He loved the beach in Newport and Florida, and had spent the past 35 years wintering in Jensen Beach, FL.

He is survived by his son James 'Gerry' Gleason and his wife Judy of Charlestown, RI; his daughter Patricia Gleason-Claydon of Georgetown, MA; his grandchildren, Christopher Gleason of Middletown, RI, Michael Gleason of Richmond, RI, Jennifer Schroeder of Wakefield, and Maura Danforth of Rutland, VT; his great-grandchildren, John G. Gleason, McKay Gleason, Brendan Gleason, Lennon Schroeder, and Easton Schroeder; and many nieces and nephews.

He was the father of the late John A. 'Jack' Gleason of Newport, and the brother of the late Gertrude O’Connor, and Catherine Knott.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, at 10am, in St. Augustin’s Church, Carroll Ave, Newport. Burial at St. Columba Cemetery, Brown’s Ln, Middletown. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, April 20, from 4-7pm in the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St., Newport, RI.

Donations in Jimmie’s memory may be made to the Gleason Carroll Swim Scholarship, c/o Rogers High School, 15 Wickham Rd., Newport, RI, 02840.