James A. Falcon, of Tampa, Florida, and Touisset, Rhode Island, passed away in Touisset, surrounded by his loving family, on August 4, 2026.

Jim was born in August 1943 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Angelina (Lorenzo) Falcon and James Falcon. He graduated from Rhode Island College, after serving in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era, aboard the USS Independence (CVA-62). He later continued his education at New Mexico State University, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Computer Science in 1971.

In 1970, Jim married Jeanette McMahon, beginning a loving marriage and partnership that spanned 56 years and many adventures. They shared their time between Tampa, Florida, Touisset, Rhode Island, and Carlsbad, California, among the people they loved most.

His professional career began as a Principal Systems Analyst with the State of Rhode Island. He later co-founded United Data with his business partner, and helped guide the company through 40 years of growth and success. Jim valued the relationships he built, as much as the work itself. Many of his clients became treasured friends who remained part of his life long after his retirement.

Jim always loved adventure. He began riding motorcycles and sailing in the 1960s, passions that remained with him throughout his life. He traveled solo by motorcycle, riding to places such as Sturgis, New Orleans, and Nova Scotia, and continued taking long-distance rides into the final years of his life.

One of his proudest adventures was a solo sailing journey to Canada that unfolded over three summers, culminating down the Hudson River to New York City, and back to Rhode Island. He shared his love of sailing with his family, especially around Mount Hope Bay, and Cuttyhunk, Massachusetts.

On and off the racetrack, he enjoyed his time with the PCA-NER, participating in both driver-education and competitive events. Generous with his knowledge, enthusiasm, car, and track time, he loved giving friends the opportunity to share in the experiences that brought him joy.

His latest adventure was pursuing his goal of earning his pilot’s license. Even after being diagnosed with Stage IV prostate cancer, he continued his flight training and was just one test away from earning his license in April. His focus and determination to keep learning, pursuing adventure, and trying activities outside his comfort zone reflected the way he approached his entire life.

He loved a competitive game of tennis with friends, intense bridge games with Jeanette and friends, and playful games of chess with his grandchildren. He always had time for thoughtful chats (especially with Bill Lesko and Cam Stevenson), late-night classic black and white movies, and of course history and math trivia. He encouraged his children and grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, to have an eagerness to learn, to be brave, determined, patient, kind, open to new experiences, but above all, have fun along the way.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette; his children, Dana Williams (Olympia), Jennie Falcon (Wyatt), James Falcon (Shannon), and Kate (Jerry); and his grandchildren, Meredith, Oscar, Silas, Noah, and Jake. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Falcon (Bonnie); sister-in-law Susanne Paulson; his nephews, Kris, Jesse, and Robert Falcon; his niece, Kyla Falcon; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Dennis Falcon, and his son, Chris Fendrich.
Jim believed that life was meant to be experienced to the fullest, not merely observed on the sidelines. Through the way he lived, he encouraged others to be inquisitive, travel beyond the ordinary route, and pursue adventures that fostered confidence and independence.

Visitation is at Smith Funeral & Memorial Services in Warren, RI on Thursday, August 6th, from 9 am - 12 pm. For additional information, or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit the online guest book. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to Archangel Airborne (www.archangelairborne.org) or Hope Hospice (www.hopehealthco.org).