James M. Sanders, 65, of New Bedford died December 24, 2013 at home after a long illness.
He was the husband of Susan A. (Morris) Sanders.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late William B. and Dorothea C. (Lambert) Sanders, he was raised in Fairhaven and lived in New Bedford most of his life.
Mr. Sanders was formerly employed as a truck driver for Sid Wainer & Son for 18 years until his retirement. He previously was a commercial fisherman on several vessels of the New Bedford fleet.
Survivors include his wife; 3 sons, James Sanders, Jr. and his wife Heidi and Derek Sanders and his wife Cristina, all of New Bedford and Dana Sanders and his wife Stephanie of Dartmouth; a daughter, Corine Sanders and her companion Joe Burns of Plymouth; his former wife, Linda (Freitas) Boucher of Fairhaven; 3 brothers, William Sanders, Jr. of New Bedford, Thomas Sanders of Acushnet and Robert Sanders of Fairhaven; 2 sisters, Carolyn Manchester and Roberta Hayward, both of Fairhaven; a step-son, Keith Ayotte; 3 step-daughters, Denise Ayotte, Renée Ayotte and Jennifer Carreiro; 17 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 18, 2014 at 11 AM at the Seamen's Bethel, 15 Johnnycake Hill, New Bedford. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford.