James Anthony Olivett

James Anthony Olivett, age 95, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 at AccentCare Hospice House in Milton, Massachusetts. Born in Dedham, Massachusetts on July 17, 1931, he was the son of James Charles and Ann Theresa (Maida) Olivett. James was raised in Dedham, where he attended the local public schools, graduating in the early 1950's. After graduation James began his long career in drafting, starting out as a tracer. He also enlisted in the United States Army, eventually transitioning into the National Guard.

In March of 1952, James answered his country's call to serve during the Korean Conflict, proudly joining the United States Navy as a Sea Bee. He spent much of his time with the Navy aboard the USS Orion AS 18, which was stationed in the Caribbean. After more than three years at sea, James was honorably discharged on February 3, 1956, having attained the rank of Patternmaker Petty Officer Second Class. Although no longer an active serviceman, James continued to serve his country in the US Naval Reserve for another 35 years.

As a Patternmaker Petty Office with the Navy, James continued to develop skills as a drafter, building master patterns and templates, reading and interpreting blue prints and engineering drawings, and working with his fellow crewmates to produce vital components for repairs. Once discharged, he applied these skills in a variety of drafting and design positions for power plants and oil pipelines, spending the majority of his career working for Badger Technologies out of Cambridge, Massachusetts until his retirement in the early 1990's. While at Badger, he was the President of the Grasshopper Association, an employee collective.

After returning from the Navy, James' friends set him up on a blind date with young woman named Elsie. One date turned into another, and another, and soon wedding bells were ringing. James married the love of his life, Elsie Ann Agostini, on May 30, 1958 at Saint Catherine's Church in Norwood, Massachusetts. The newlyweds made their married home in Dedham, before purchasing a home in nearby East Walpole, Massachusetts in 1968, where they would raise their family.

In addition to his work as a draftsman and designer, James invested in realty in Wareham, Massachusetts. He purchased several summer cottages and rental properties over the years, which he spent countless hours working on. James was a big proponent of Do-It-Yourself, learning how to fix and improve his properties on his own. This mindset extended to his own home, where he put on additions by himself! The fruits of his labor allowed James and his family to enjoy many relaxing summers in Wareham, with many cherished memories made at Swifts Beach. James also enjoyed time on the water, owning two motorboats over the years, which he docked at Tempest Knob in Wareham.

In his free time, James liked to spend time with his family. He was a dedicated and proud father, grandfather, and husband. He liked to play card games, especially Wist. A talented artist, James liked to draw, which aided him in his career. In addition to vacationing at his summer cottages in Wareham, James also liked to spend time at his timeshare in Newport, taking in the local sights for over 30 years.

Beloved husband of Elsie Ann (Agostini) Olivett.

Loving father of Karen Ann Olivett-Collins of Mansfield, Patricia Ann Barron and her husband Leo of Wareham, and James Anthony Olivett Jr. of East Walpole.

Cherished grandfather of Stephanie Ann Collins, Major Kyle Anthony Barron and his wife Shea, and Dr. Kendyl Ann Barron and her fiancé Joseph Misch; and great grandfather of Caleb, Hallie, and Reid.

Brother of the late Constance Macalone and Rosemarie Rossi.

Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended relatives, colleagues, and friends.

At the request of James' family, all service will be private, with interment at Brookdale Cemetery in Dedham.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’ name may be made to the Jimmy Fund by mailing a check to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or by visiting https://www.jimmyfund.org.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.