James P. Bardsley, age 45, of N. Smithfield and Mattapoisett, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 6, 2018 due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was the husband of Lisa A. Gray with whom he shared 15 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of Frank T. and Carol A. (Emond) Bardsley of Dartmouth.
James was a graduate of Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett, received a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from U-Mass Dartmouth in 1994 and a Juris Doctor degree from New England School of Law in 1997.
He was a practicing attorney for the Law Office of Bardsley & Gray. He was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association.
While a youth in Mattapoisett, Jim was a member of the Young Marines and proudly ran his own lawn cutting business. He was a true outdoorsman who attended survival schools and loved to sail. Jim loved music and was an accomplished musician, played several instruments and hosted his own radio show in college. He was active in theater, a talented artist and obtained a third degree black belt in Aikido while at the Wellness Resource Center. Jim touched so many lives with his happy go lucky nature, quick witted sense of humor, his engaging and charming personality and his love for children.
Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are his children, Elaina and Abram Bardsley of N. Smithfield; a sister, Kristin Aiksnoras and her husband Mark of Bristol, RI; four nephews, Chase and Hunter Aiksnoras of Bristol, RI and Owen and Christian Genereux of S. Kingstown, RI; a cousin Christopher J. Cabral of Tampa, FL; and several aunts and uncles.
Visiting hours were held on Friday, April 13, 2018 in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. His funeral was held on Saturday, April 14 in St. Mary’s Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial was at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online tributes: www.rock-funeralhome.com
