James R. Westkott, "Jimbo", died peacefully at home in Cumberland on October 26, 2023, after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife Nancy Ryan, son Matthew (Heather) of Sheridan, Wyoming, five grandchildren, and three stepchildren, Christopher, Melissa and Andrew Ryan, as well as his brother Mick Westkott (Pam) of Narragansett and his sister Mary Reeder (Bob) of Estero, Florida. Jim was pre-deceased by his sister Nancy and son, Peter.

Born and raised in Wyomissing, PA, he attended Lafayette College in Allentown, PA. where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and went on to University of Pennsylvania for a Masters degree in City Planning at the Wharton School. The bulk of his career was spent in Colorado where he taught at The University of Colorado as well as The University of Denver. Ultimately, he attained a second Masters degree in Business before becoming Chief Demographer for the State of Colorado. Shortly after retiring he returned to his East Coast roots to marry Nancy, his long-time love, a classmate from Wyomissing throughout their undergraduate education, who now lived in R I.

An athlete all his life, Jim embraced hiking the mountains of Colorado, skiing, biking, and kayaking local waters with Nancy. He especially loved his days playing Senior softball in RI. A jigsaw puzzle fan, he rarely was without one underway. Jim loved opera, travel, was a history buff, and read voraciously.

He was intelligent, quirky, fun to be with and left his mark wherever he went.

Calling hours will be held at O'Neill Funeral Home, 3102 Mendon Rd., Cumberland on Thursday, November 9th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held in the O'Neill Funeral Home immediately following calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Emmanuel Church, 120 Nate Whipple Hwy, Cumberland, RI 02864.