James Scott Bryce, 81, passed away on May 14, 2025 at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. Born on November 6, 1943 in Providence, he was the son of the late James “Scotty” Bryce and Mary Dorothy (Garvey) Bryce. James was a teacher for the Lincoln (R.I.) School Department before retiring in 1997.
James grew up on the East Side of Providence and was a parishioner of St. Raymond’s Church. After graduating from St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket in 1961, he attended Providence College and graduated in 1965. He got a job right out of college at Saylesville Elementary School before later moving on to grade 6 at the Lincoln Central Elementary School. He finished his career at Lincoln High School as a history and civics teacher.
James earned his master’s degree at Rhode Island College. He was also in the National Guard.
James spent many memorable years in Seekonk with his family and friends. He was a member of the Briarwood Golf League and enjoyed playing tennis at Top of the Court. He loved to watch his son’s basketball and Little League games, as well as his daughter’s softball games.
For over 30 years, James was heavily involved in academics and athletics. In the classroom, he impacted the lives of so many, making learning fun and keeping students engaged with positive instruction and a great sense of humor. Some former students may remember the infamous bus to Fraction City. The same can be said for when he was coaching. Throughout the years, he coached many teams in Lincoln, including the girls’ track and field team, the girls’ basketball team and the boys’ cross country team at Lincoln High in the 1980's and 1990's. He also ran the Biddy Basketball program in Lincoln for many years, too.
Many summers were spent working with kids, where James served as the supervisor at the Lime Acres Park summer program that was part of Lincoln Parks and Recreation. He loved coordinating games of pickleball, arts and crafts projects (“hearts and crabs”), and trips to the Weiner Genie.
Throughout his life, James had a quick wit, and because of that, he was always asked to emcee events. He didn’t shy away from the microphone, and he always left the crowd with smiles on their faces. A highlight of many summers was serving as the announcer for the Hershey Track and Field state meet.
Upon retirement, James lived in Newport, a time period he cherished. He kept active by, among other things, coaching track and field at Salve Regina University and serving as a tour guide at the Newport Mansions and Fort Adams. He also volunteered at local sporting events in the 1990's, including those at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, as well as the World Scholar-Athlete Games and the Extreme Games (now the X games). He was always thrilled to tell anybody that would listen that he appeared as an extra in the 1997 film, “Meet Joe Black” starring Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt.
In his free time, James loved watching Red Sox games and was also a big Celtics, Bruins and Patriots fan. He was an avid golfer and still loved watching it later in life, especially Tiger Woods at his peak. He also rooted for Providence College basketball and UConn women’s basketball.
In his later years, James deeply appreciated meeting up with a group of Lincoln teachers and coaches for periodic dinners at Chelo’s, times spent talking about the “old days.” Many of them would speak readily about the impact James had on them as teachers and coaches.
He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was an integral part of all of their young lives, gladly babysitting when asked. He also enjoyed family cookouts with his nieces and nephews, and loved going to Mike Bryce’s art shows over the years.
As a teacher, coach and father, James was always encouraging and eager to see people shine in the classroom, as well as on the field or court. He will truly be missed.
James leaves two children, Michaela Kay (Bryce) Merola and her husband Mark, and Andrew James Bryce and his wife Kellie. He also leaves three grandchildren: Casey Merola, Jack Bryce and Emma Bryce. He was grandfather of the late Jacob Merola and brother of the late Robert T. Bryce, and the former husband of Kathleen M. Bryce.
His funeral will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 9 A.M. from the PERRY-MCSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. in St. Teresa Church, 358 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket. Burial will be in Seekonk Dexter Avenue Cemetery, West River Street, Seekonk. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 4-7 P.M.
