James Rothwell

James Rothwell of Columbus, Ohio, formerly of Swampscott, Massachusetts passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 20, 2017 after a long illness.  He was 79.  He was born on March 14, 1938 to William and Faith (Ware) Rothwell and was the oldest of 6 children. He is survived by his 4 children, James and spouse, Terry Rothwell of Columbus, Ohio, Jill Rothwell and fiancé, Timothy Richardson of Jacksonville, FL, Faith Rothwell Pelusi and spouse, James of Winchester, Massachusetts, and Jason Rothwell of Lexington, Kentucky.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sean O’Connor and Alyssa Rothwell both of Columbus, Ohio and Drew, Anna and Jake Pelusi all of Winchester, MA. He was the brother of Eliot and spouse, Cathie Rothwell and William (Rocky) and his spouse, Sally Rothwell both of Marblehead, Massachusetts, and his sisters Taft (Taffy) Rothwell of Boston, Massachusetts, Faith DeAngelis and her spouse, Joseph of Lynnfield, Massachusetts, and Janet Rothwell of Wilton, New Hampshire.  Jim was predeceased by Eliot’s wife Terri.

Jim grew up in Cambridge and Swampscott and was an accomplished football player for Swampscott High School and Boston University.   He served with the U.S. Army after college.  He was part of the Friendly’s company for 18 years.  In 1973 he moved his family from Holliston, Massachusetts to Dayton, Ohio as Friendly’s expanded westward where he oversaw the opening of new stores in his region.  Upon leaving Friendly’s he continued working in the food distribution industry.

Jim was an avid sports fan, watching every Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and Patriots games if he could.  He was known to text his son Jason when the games were about to start.   He also enjoyed going to games of his children and grandchildren when he could.  Jim embraced technology and always had a fascination with airplanes and the airplane industry.  His vast knowledge on so many topics always made for interesting conversation.  He will be missed by family and friends. There will be a celebration of his life on the one year anniversary when we bring him home to Marblehead.