Mr. James Michael Cornacchia

September 9, 1977 - June 1, 2020

McDonough, GA, resident/Utica, James Michael Cornacchia, age 42, passed away on Monday June 1, 2020 after a courageous battle with COVID-19. He was born on September 9, 1977 in Utica to Chester A. and Dyana L. (Stovall) Cornacchia, moved to Marcy, NY, and was a graduate of Whitesboro High School/Class of 1996. He continued his education at MVCC where his studies concentrated in Criminal Justice. He made a decision to relocate to Georgia to live with his brother Anthony. Once he relocated he met his wife, the former Christal McGaha and they created and mirrored the morals and values that were part of his life. They loved their family and dedicated themselves to their children and each other. James was employed by the Georgia Tech Police Department where he served on its campus for 19 years and had recently been promoted to Detective. He loved his chosen profession....protected the students and faculty, and was always concerned about their well-being and safety. He was also mechanically minded and loved to work with his hands, a trait he inherited from his dad. He could revamp any small engine to perfect working order. He also repaired and maintained his own automobiles, four wheeler, all terrain vehicles, go karts, dirt bikes, and lawn mowers. He was an enterprising man and taught these skills to his boys in hopes that they would continue this productive work that he held in high standards. James was also a master in the kitchen, and with his grandma Cornacchia’s seasoned pusty tins, he managed to make the Italian confections just as good as hers. When he made the homemade pudding that filled the inside, it was truly an authentic combination, there was no fooling around! It was the perfect consistency. James was a motivating force and faithful parishioner at St. James Catholic Church in Georgia where he served as a Sunday School teacher along with his wife. When it came to church, he was old-school in many ways: he and his family always wore appropriate attire, attended Mass on Sundays, and knew that the Lord guided their lives. James was also a beloved Cub Master for Pack 66 and Assistant Boy Scout leader for Troop 66. He enjoyed having the time with his sons and teaching other young children about scouting. James enjoyed campouts under the stars and the cookouts with the other families. He enjoyed hands on activities to teach survival techniques. James wanted to be a scout leader for his children and also wanted to be a positive influence for other scouts. Through the dark cloud of sadness at his untimely passing, the sun gleams bright on his great smile and grateful heart. He felt so blessed that God granted him the gift of being a loving, respected father to his three boys, and with his wife they parented with the same ideals together, and an entire family who adored James for the man he was. James is survived by his wife, Christal; his three sons, Salvatore (15), Giovanni (11), and Vincenzo (8); his parents, Chet and Dyana Cornacchia; maternal grandmother, Amelia “Grandma Sito” Stovall-Durant; and his brothers and sister-in-laws, Anthony Cornacchia, Brian and Emily Cornacchia, and his twin, Joseph and wife Leah Cornacchia. He was very close to his brothers. They enjoyed being together for so many occasions. Their personalities were a lot alike, funny, pranksters always laughing just to name a few. He was not only an uncle but a role model to his many nieces and nephews, Anthony “TJ” Cornacchia, Brianna Mitchell and fiancé Blake; Austin Cornacchia, and Autumn Cornacchia; and Sebastian Cornacchia. He will remain in the hearts of his aunts and uncles, Rachael and Bernard Freytag, Jr., Carol and Michael Cragnolin, Rocco Jr. and Bernadine Cornacchia, Michael and Jackie Cornacchia, Darrell and Catherine Stovall, Wayne and Ulla Stovall, and twins Dale Stovall and fiance, Danielle Pilon, Gale and his wife Patricia Stovall; many cousins; his in-laws, Gary and Sue McGaha, Barbara and Bud Stapleton, sisters- in-law and their families: Pamela and Tim Mitchell, Christy Quillen, and Karlie and Jason Green. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Rocco J. and Dorothy (Lia) Cornacchia; and maternal grandfather, Dale D. Stovall. His many friends and the brotherhood of his fellow officers who honored him at his services in Georgia with tender hearts and a truly dignified send off will never be forgotten. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend James’ Celebration of Life which will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 1:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Face masks must be worn and contact tracing will be implemented. Memorial donations may be directed to the family through the online GoFundMe link at https://www.gofundme.com/f/cornacchia-family-crisis Envelopes will also be available at the service. Please take a moment to connect with James’ family through the “Memories” section of his obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our community support.