James Joseph O’Toole, Jr., of Cape Cod, MA, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, with his family by his side.
Jim was born in New York City on April 27, 1971, to Dr. James and Patricia (Boyle) O’Toole. The eldest of five children, Jim was raised in Ridgefield, CT. Having spent significant time on the Rhode Island coast and ever drawn to the ocean, he obtained his captain’s license and pursued a career in commercial fishing in New Jersey and Rhode Island, finding both adventure and peace at sea. He received a special commendation from a coastal NJ community after risking his own life to jump into frigid waters in January to save a fellow fisherman from drowning. Jim loved good music, great food, but most of all, his family and countless friends.
As the eldest child in a large family, Jim was the revered leader of the pack. His quick wit and selfless spirit were always on display. He inspired his siblings with his deep thirst for knowledge, passion for books and music, and love of animals. He also taught them how to cast a line, steer a boat, and appreciate every sunset. Jim will forever remain their much-adored big brother.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Crissy. He is survived by his sisters, Katie O’Toole and Molly Riordan, and his brother Ted. He leaves behind his brother-in-law Brian Riordan, sister-in-law Alexandra Clapes O’Toole, his dearest friend, Lorena Pelder, and his beloved cousins, Aunts, and Uncles. Jim was the loving uncle to his nieces and nephews: Ella, Max, and Lily Oudekerk, Zackary and Theodore O’Toole, Cian, Guinevere, Rowan and Torin Riordan, and Eleanore and Emma O’Toole.
“I wanna say to my sisters and my brothers, Keep the Faith. When the storm flies and the wind blows, go on at a steady pace. Let us take our fellow man by the hand, try to help him to understand. We can all be together, forever and ever, when we make it to the promised land.”
Family and friends will be received on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Tributes and reflections of Jim will be offered at 5:15 PM. Interment will take place privately. Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the MSPCA Cape Cod Adoption Center - 1577 Falmouth Road; Centreville, MA 02632, or online, http://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/cape-cod-adoption-center/