Robert C. James

Mr. Robert C. James, age 87, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Flushing, NY on June 3, 1921, Robert was the son of the late Christopher and Mary (Blesser) James. He was raised and educated in Flushing. A proud veteran of World War II, Robert served his country in the U. S. Army stationed in the European, African, and Mid Eastern Theaters of Operation. On May 1, 1946 he married the former Cleo M. Taylor with whom he shared a loving union of 28 years until her passing in 1974. He was blessed with a second union on April 5, 1975 when he wed the former Elaine B. Buczek with whom he was united for 31 years prior to her passing on February 2, 2007. A hard-working, determined man, Robert retired as a field engineer from the N. Y. Telephone Co. The hallmarks of his character were his generous nature, goodness of heart, quick wit, and terrific sense of humor. For recreation he collected coins and stamps, enjoyed bowling and hunting, and rooted for his lifelong favorite teams, the NY Yankees and the NY Giants. He was a member of the 40 & 8 National Veterans Organization, the Smith Post #24 American Legion in Rome, NY, and the Stanwix Men’s Club. Robert was a very spiritual man and a faithful communicant of St. Mark’s Catholic Church where he was deeply involved in parish activities, served as an usher, and was a member of the St. Mark’s Men’s Club. Robert is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen M. and Daniel J. Mineo of Utica with whom he resided; his sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher R. James, Dennis R. and Nanette James, Brian P. and Linda A. James, all of Rome, NY, Michael P. James of N.Y. Mills and Kim Perkins of Utica, Michael T. and Amy James of Utica, Kenneth R. James and Lori T. Tabor of Ilion, and Robert A. James of Utica; his grandchildren, Danielle Mineo, and Daniel Patrick Mineo; Kevin James, and Amanda James; Erika and Jim Knudsen, Andrea and Mike Rafferty; Derek, Dylan, and Brandon James, and Robert K. James. Always close to his heart was the memory of his grandchildren, Matthew James, and Brett James who preceded him in death. He also leaves his great-grandchildren, Ella, and Cleo Knudsen. The family is grateful to Rev. Lucian Urbaniak for his spiritual care, fellowship, and guidance; and Robert’s special friend, John Salerno, for his kind heart and friendship. Visitation will be held Sunday (today) from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Robert’s honor to St. Mark’s Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Robert’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mark’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery, East Dominick Street, Rome.

Robert C. James

June 3, 1921 - June 26, 2008