PHOENIX, NY – James H. Charles (June 6, 1933 – June 1, 2019), 85, known as “Jim” and later “J.C.,” formally of Clayton, Phoenix, Cazenovia, Waterloo, Wolcott and Newark, NY and Myrtle
Beach, SC, passed away on Saturday June 1, 2019.
A man with boundless energy, he approached the end of life with bravery and humor, in the same way he lived for almost 86 years.
He was born in Syracuse.
After graduating from high school in Clayton, NY, (class of 1950), Jim entered the US Air Force and served proudly during the Korean War era, stationed overseas in England, and honorably discharged in 1955.
Following graduation from St. Lawrence University, he worked for Firestone Tires as a sales manager and attended Syracuse University for graduate school before becoming a career high school math teacher in Phoenix and then Cazenovia, NY.
His encore career included a return to retail management for Fay’s Drugs and teaching mathematics at Butler Correctional Facility.
He loved sailing and boating.
His lifelong passion for being on the water began while growing up on the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
He loved working in his wood shop, reading, writing and watching football on TV.
He especially loved following SU football and basketball teams.
He dearly loved and cherished his family and many wonderful friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Ruth (nee Fowler)
Charles; his brother, Richard (“Dick”) Charles.
He is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Steven) Cushman, Mary Helander, Jennifer (Vincenzo) Fuschino and Elizabeth Charles; brothers, Jack (Mary Lou) Charles and Joel (Carol) Charles; grandchildren, Cassidy, Jacob, Maria and Jessica; and former wives and mothers of his girls, Peg (Dick) Scheffler and Sue Charles.
Calling hour will be on Monday June 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 43 Bridge St., Phoenix, followed immediately by an 11 a.m. memorial service and celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations to his memory may be made to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 43 Bridge St., Phoenix, NY, 13135.
Arrangements by Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home, Phoenix, NY.
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