James “Jim” Abeshaus

DATELINE: Cranston

Abeshaus, James “Jim”, died Friday, April 6, 2018 at Steere House, Providence. He was the husband of the late Barbara (Yantes) Abeshaus. They were married for 63 years. Barbara passed away in 2009. Jim was the son of the late Samuel and Fanny (Windsberg) Abeshaus.

He was the father of Robert Abeshaus of Cranston; Nancy Abeshaus and her spouse, Barbara Kaskosz, of Wakefield; and Bruce Abeshaus and his wife, Deborah, of Indianapolis, IN. He was the grandfather of Jimmy Abeshaus and his wife, Britta, of Germany, and the great grandfather of granddaughters Taylor and Finja. He was the brother of the late Dorothy Segool and William Abeshaus.

Jim was a 1941 graduate of the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy (now URI) and co-owner for 33 years of Thall’s Pharmacy in Cranston. For 13 years, he was a volunteer at the Rhode Island Hospital gift shop. After that, he was affiliated with CVS Pharmacy for 25 years. He is a former member of Temple Torat Yisrael. He served four and a half years in the US Army during WWII as an Army Air Corps medic.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:30 p.m. in the Redwood Chapel at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 100 Borden St., Providence, RI 02903 or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.  Shiva will be private.

27 Comments

  1. Bob and Mimi
    Apr 7, 2018

    Jim was such a caring, thoughtful and kind man.
    His friendship will be greatly missed.

  2. Nancy Thomas
    Apr 8, 2018

    I remember Jim from CVS and how kind he was to my daughter, who had her first job there. What a gentle and kind soul…he made an impact on many young people…kindness, courtesy and work ethic. Memories that will last them throughout their lives. He will be missed.

  3. Roberta Berry
    Apr 8, 2018

    It was such a pleasure to know Jim and sit at table with him many times during his stay at the SCAN. Robert and Nancy and Barb it was also a pleasure to meet all of you. Bruce and family we shared stories about Indiana (especially Shapiro’s) and he always was glad when you talked on the phone. It was a joy to have his friendship as a part of our respective journeys on this earth: I have missed him in these weeks of his seriou illness and will continue to count it as a blessing to have known him. My love to you all. Roberta

  4. Stuart Cohen
    Apr 8, 2018

    To the Abeshaus family, So very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He and the entire Thall’s family were such big parts of my growing up near the Stadium, and friends of the twins from Twin Florists, my dad and uncles business nearby. My familie’s condolences to you all.

  5. Marcia Murphy
    Apr 8, 2018

    Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of Jim. I fondly remember Jim from my regular childhood visits to Thalls. It was a much simpler time of genuine community. Someone would write my fathers name on all of his newspapers and I would pick them up along with some candy on a Sunday morning. I did not know then I would have the privilege of caring for Jim’s wife Barbara at Steere House and forging a cherished long time friendship with Jim. I loved all my talks with Jim, and considered myself lucky to have known him. I was honored again to have cared for him during his time of need, and passing. I am saddened by his loss. My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.

  6. Elaine King
    Apr 8, 2018

    Dear Robert and family,
    Your dad and mom were much loved by Steere House Employees. Your dad was so loyal to your your mom up until her passing. And he continued to visit us bringing goodies and coupons until he couldn’t any longer. It was fitting that he return to us for his end care. I’ll miss seeing him. May you find comfort in knowing your parents are together again. God bless you all. Elaine King

  7. donna l young
    Apr 8, 2018

    Nancy, Bruce and Robert, I am so sorry for your loss.

  8. Lynn
    Apr 8, 2018

    Jimmy was my first employer, and I can remember the first day I met him over 50 years ago. He and Barbara were always so kind to me… and my family, and I will never forget his wonderful smile and twinkle in his eye. He was a very special man. Your loss is great.

  9. gail glen whitfield
    Apr 9, 2018

    Dear Nancy, Bruce and Robert,
    So very sad to read of your father’s passing.
    I have so many wonderful memories of our childhood on Preston Drive. Nancy and i have shared so many of these memories over the past few years.
    As many have mentioned, Thalls was at the heart of our neighborhood. We would grab a Truade soda or a pop there.
    Your dad would arrive home the same time every evening, in his white uniform. He often carried comic books under his arm for us to read. He was a gentle, kind man.
    He and your mom are together again.
    my love to all

  10. Andrea L Shea
    Apr 11, 2018

    Nancy, Robert, Bruce -
    Please accept my sincerest condolences in the loss of your wonderful father. From the moment I met him, Jim left an impression upon me. Whether expressing his thought, philosophy or educating those he encountered, he always gave us something to think about long after the conversation ended. May you and your loved ones find peace in knowing he is reunited with mom, and his memory lives on. xox

  11. Judy Scarfpin
    Apr 13, 2018

    Nancy, my heartfelt condolences to you. You loved your father so much and he loved you. It was my pleasure to meet him and experience first-hand his gentle caring. I’m thinking of you at this time of loss.
    Warmest wishes, Judy

  12. Robert Abeshaus
    Oct 5, 2018

    Dear Dad, See how much everyone loved you!! You were one of a kind. I miss you so much, and think of you everyday. You did so much for everyone who came in your store. Love Forever. Your Son, Robert.

  13. Robert Abeshaus
    Feb 11, 2019

    Dear Dad, I start a new part of my life now. I am retired. After 38 years and 4 months. Wanted to get out with my health. hopefully I can relax, and have sometime to myself, and do what I like, when I want to. I know you said work as long as you are healthy,but I feel it was time to go. Myself, I always knew when that time would be. You don’t know how much I enjoy being with you on Sunday in the afternoon. That is our time together now!!! Dad, words can’t be told to you in anyway, how I miss you. Think about you all the time. Love you so much, 24/7. Take care. Love you forever. Your son, Robert.

  14. Robert Abeshaus
    Feb 25, 2019

    Dear Dad, Think about you all the time. What nice visits we are having on Sundays. You don’t know how much I enjoy being with you on that day. Enjoying my retirement so much!!! You were so right Dad. You always said to me, someday you will be retired. Someday I will be with you. Now, you are always with me in my heart. Life is so short, and we must live each day. Love you so much!!! Take care, and Be well. Love, Robert.

  15. Robert Abeshaus
    Mar 5, 2019

    Dear Dad, On Wednesday it will be eleven months since you passed. I can’t believe how FAST time goes!!! It seems like yesterday, that you went on to a better world. Think about you each and every day. I really enjoy are time together. Dad, thank you for showing me about life. I try to follow your knowledge at all times. You were so smart with money, people, and what ever you did in life. That is why you became the person you did. Thank you for teaching me all the right things in life to do. Enjoy are times together so much. Think about you always and for ever!!!! Love you Dad. Love, Robert.

    .

  16. Robert Abeshaus
    Apr 4, 2019

    Dear Dad, As we come to your one year anniversary, you are in my heart even more. It seems like such a short time ago that you went on to happiness in a special way. your sprite is with me 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Words a lone can not express my love for you. Will think about you on April 6th at 3:09 p.m. I was so fortunate to be with you, right to the end. That and many other wonderful memories will never leave me. Your love and wonderful sprite is a lasting up-lifting force that can be never taken from me. Love, Robert.

  17. Robert Abeshaus
    May 30, 2019

    Dear Dad, On Friday before the holiday I did something special. I put a pretty flag with a metal holder beside your grave. It is to the left of the stone, on your side. The metal stand/holder is engraved. “Unites States Army Service To Our Country.” I know how PROUD you were of serving our country!!! Dad, I love and miss you so much. Come and see you as much as I can. Someday we will all be together. Till then, you are so deep in my heart. Love you so much, Robert.

  18. Robert Abeshaus
    Jun 27, 2019

    Dear Dad, The weather is getting very warm and HUMID. I remember at this time it was lawn season. How you worked so hard, and said what an effort it was!!! You had the BEST lawn in town. Thank you for all your help and support thru my life. When ever I had a problem, you were there. It is hard for me now, on holidays. Keep busy ever day, holidays are hard!!! No one seems to be around. Friends are busy, never here from family. Really still enjoying retirement. Always, live by your saying, “Time Heals Everything See you Sunday. Love forever, Robert..”

  19. Robert Abeshaus
    Jul 26, 2019

    Dear Dad, Our weather has been so warm the last few days. We set a record last weekend. It was 96 on Saturday. very humid on Sunday with a temp of 104. Stayed at Community College of R.I. from 7:30 till 2:30. It was so nice with the central air. I read and did a little walking. There were 4 other people there beside me. Going to get bad again on this Monday and Tuesday. The stone looks so GOOD!!! The tree that covers half of the stone keeps the moss and mold off of it. Other stones are just covered!! Time goes by so fast. Very soon you will have your year and a half anniversary. Life is interesting. Last night I was watching a television program. It was from 1973. There were 7 actors on the show that have passed away. Also, it will be 25 years in September I have lived at the condo. I find that hard to believe. Went by Deer field Rd., on my way to Pan era. Feel sad. Strange car in the driveway. Oh well, life goes on and I must go on with it. Stay healthy. Take care be well. Love you so MUCH dad. We will be together soon. Love from all my heart now and FOREVER. Love, Robert.

  20. Robert Abeshaus
    Jul 29, 2019

    Dear Dad, Nice being with you on Sunday. Clean the stone real good with a towel and water. It wasn’t that bad at all. Happy the tree helps so much. Parked the car in front of the office, and walked to the stone. It was early in the morning, but the bugs were out!!! Will come back to see you regular in September. It is just so HARD with the bugs!!! This way they should be gone by then. I know we talked about how time goes by so fast. On September 28th, I will be out of the drug store 40 years. I find that so hard to believe!!! Looking forward to Jimmy and the family coming to visit. Have a lot of nice places to go. Take care Dad. Be well. Love you ALWAYS!!!! Love, Robert.

  21. Robert Abeshaus
    Aug 29, 2019

    Dear Dad, Well it was a very nice time with the family. Boy, was I tried!!! Was with them for each day from 8:45 till 7:30 at night. They just don’t stop. I must be getting old. We went everywhere. Places I never have been to in the state. One day I had a problem with plumbing. It worked out well. That was a Thursday it was hot and very humid. All of them went to the beech. They LOVED it. No beeches in Germany. On Monday I meet them at the hotel at 9:30. We watched the two kids swim in the in-door pool. What a NICE hotel. It has everything, even a walk-way from the hotel to the airport. Jimmy and his wife spend so much money. Gave the two girls $20.00. We celebrated Finja 8th birthday on Wednesday at Greg’s. Gave Jimmy a check for $4,100.00 to help him with the tickets. Somethings never change.He asked me for $4,000.00 more. I told him after tax-time. On check out time we went to Dun kin Donuts. We went to a lot of them. They have only two in there town and travel time is 2 hours 10 minutes. Finally I said time to get on the road at 1:40. They would stay all night if I didn’t say anything.Went to Vermont for 4 days, and on to Montreal for 3 days.Then Brit ta and the children go home, and Jimmy goes on business to Vancouver. TOO MUCH!!! Not my kind of vacation. Oh well, what ever makes you happy. Glad they came, Glad to see them go. Maybe if I was younger, and not 66 years old. This will be the last time they ever see me because of my sickness. It gets worst as time goes on. Very hard to walk in the first 45 minutes of the morning. Also, left hand is only 61% working. No more chemo. Very very ill the last time. On the john for 54 minutes with BAD bowel act ivy.WEAK for day and half. Shows I am still a strong person. Doctor increase Mo/Doc to 75%. Hardly take in less I am in big pain, and can’t walk. So, I am glad I invited them. Feel like I did the right thing, and was true-blue on the whole trip. did what-ever they wanted. Sorry, we didn’t get down to see you and mom. Suggested it 2x, but the children would cry they said. Didn’t want to PUSH it. Well that is it Dad, see you on Sunday and Labor Day. Love From Your Son, Robert.

  22. Robert Abeshaus
    Jul 7, 2020

    Hi Dad, Sorry I haven’t written in so long. Having a very hard time since March. This time has given to much time on my hands. Have been doing a lot of reading. Time hangs heavy. Try so hard to keep busy. Visit you a lot at the grave. Also, pray at home to you. I have no friends. Just can’t make them. Women up-stairs is nice to me, as I am to her. Going for M.R.I. on Wednesday. Pain in my penis and lower side. Thinking about how hard each day is when I wake up. It was so nice in 2019. Busy each day. Time flew!!! Library only open 1 hour per day. Going to the dentist Thursday. Teeth are so dirty. Have a new skin doctor. She is great. Took mark off my fore-head, and it looks great. Hope things open up more. Paid off the condo for the year. Don’t know how much more I can do by myself. Will keep strong. Hope I can come to be with you soon. Take care Dad. You always took such good care of me. Love you Dad.See you soon. Love, Robert. For ever and ever.

  23. Robert Abeshaus
    Apr 5, 2021

    Hi Dad,
    With all my love deep from my heart. Remembering you on your special anniversary. It is three years on the 6th, at 3:09 p.m. I lost someone who I could never replace. You will never leave me in spirit or soul. Glad to see you and mom this weekend, and today Monday the 5th. Can’t make it on the 6th, having problems with the car. Love you dad. Be well take care, see you real soon. Love your son Robert.

  24. Robert Abeshaus
    Apr 6, 2021

    Hi Dad, Sending you my LOVE and Heart warm feelings. It is a day I now have fainting memories. It is what you always said to me that times healings everything. You are so right and so smart!!! Will still always remember this day in my heart at 2;30 at Rosewood Chapel. Sorry I couldn’t make it down today. My car was getting fixed, and I got out at 12:20pm. Thank you mom and dad for your GREAT training. They took $40.00 off my bill at D and M I am always nice to them and have been going there since 1976. When his little boy Jackson had an operation, I made sure I called the next day and talk with Justin the boss son to ask how he made out. Again, training from mom and you dad!!! What a beautiful day you have. Also, update Bruce about the dates and how pretty the stone is. Also sending my love to you on April 3, 2018 3:09 pm when I lost you at Steer House. Love you dad. Your in my soul forever, and I am sure we will all meet soon. Love, Robert.

  25. Robert Abeshaus
    Apr 7, 2021

    Hi Dad, Happy birthday to a wonderful sweet successful gentleman. What a beautiful day for a beautiful person. It was so nice seeing you today. Wish I could have spent time with you and showed my love too you. Thank you for taking such good of me, and the rest of the family. Have a sweet day on your 102 birthday. Love, Robert. P.S. Wiped down the grave. It looks so nice with your flag reflecting off the stone.

  26. Robert Abeshaus
    Jun 18, 2021

    Hi Dad, Hope this note finds you well. As you said to me all thru my live, “It Goes Fast”. Can’t believe it is the 4th Father Day without you. Sorry I haven’t been to the grave since your birthday. My car has been a small problem. It’s 10 years old on the 11th. Have put $13 hundred dollars since April 29th. As you always told me, run it as long as you can. That’s why I take good care of it, and won’t by a new one if I don’t have too. My friend Dennis spent a whole afternoon and evening doing body work on car. Rust on passenger and drivers side. Gave me a big break with the price!!! Don’t leave Cranston with car only too go too doctors appointments. Will see you soon.
    Again Dad have a GREAT day on Sunday. You will be in my heart extra special that day!!! Love, Robert.

  27. Robert Abeshaus
    Nov 2, 2021

    Hi Dad, Hope this note finds you well. Boy, I sure miss you!!! No one helps me, or cares about me the way you did. I am so on my own. Can’t believe I have lived 68 years. Try to keep good care of myself. It is no good to be alone. To me, its not normal. Anyway, keep very busy all the time. Days and time just fly!!! Speaking of that I can’t believe you have been gone almost 4 years!!! As you always told me “It Goes By Fast.” Everyone is getting there shots. I will get my 3rd one end of November. Had skin cancer again. Have a wonderful surgeon. Go back for 4th and final treatment on November 22st. I take after mom. Still have my car. Keep it serviced every 3 months. Getting ready for 100K miles. Hard to believe!!! A lot of buildings going up in Cranston. Everywhere. Cold weather is coming .Warms up in the afternoon. Talk with Jimmy 3x a week. Same old Jimmy. Talks a good line, never does anything. Wants too own a business. He thinks its easy. At condo 27 years. Planning assist-living by 70. Very bad to live alone. Found an out of the way Cinna in South County by the beach. Find it by accident riding one day. My hang out on Sundays. Great prices, $6.00 all day. That’s about it, sorry I haven’t been down in a while. Last times I came down boy, did I clean the grave. That Korea tree really makes a mess!!! Be well dad. Love you every second of the day!!!. Love, Robert.

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