Mr. James C. "Jimmy" Voss, Sr.

UTICA – Mr. James C. “Jimmy” Voss, Sr., age 89, transitioned from labor to reward and received in Heaven his Robe and Crown of Eternal Life through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in his home surrounded by his children. Born in Grace, Mississippi on June 10, 1935, James was the son of the late William and Ida (Randall) Voss. Jimmy and his family moved to Utica when he was only two years of age. He was raised locally and attended Utica public schools. As a very young man he learned to work hard and began looking for odd jobs at the age of 13 in order to support himself and his family. He would go fishing and sell the fish on the street corners downtown, bringing home every cent he made to his beloved mother. A devout Christian, Jimmy received the Lord at an early age. Jimmy was a proud and faithful member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church for over 60 years, who served as a deacon and sung in the men’s choir. Jimmy also served on numerous church committees. One day while playing pool, Jimmy first laid eyes on the former Annie Jo Walker, and with her breathtaking looks made him miss the bank shot. The two joined together in marriage, creating an incredibly loving, happy and faithful union. They loved going to the drive-in show and out dancing with their friends. They enjoyed traveling together or on couple’s trips. They would attend numerous fundraisers, charity and church events. Jimmy and Annie were inseparable. Their family and friends would even say their marriage was close to perfect. They shared a mutual devotion in prioritizing the needs of their children. Jimmy was wholeheartedly devoted to his family. His wife and children’s well-being was his greatest joy and happiness. As a true patriarch, Jimmy considered himself fortunate to have such a loving family. He was a strong foundation for his family and always put their needs before his own. His love and compassion knew no bounds and he cherished his grandchildren, who were the lights of his life. Their union was truly blessed by God and after 62 years of marriage, Annie Jo received in Heaven her Robe and Crown of Eternal Life on September 21, 2019. Jimmy’s professional career was unparalleled. Jimmy was a former professional boxer in the mid to late 1950’s and won several middle weight titles. He also worked at Smith Packing in Utica and decided to put away his boxing gloves before landing a job at Revere Copper and Brass in Rome, N.Y. where he held employment for 35 years, and eventually retired from. He was a staple at the company, training new hires and even helping family members and friends find jobs there. Following his retirement, Jimmy opened his own family owned and operated store called Voss’ Carry Out Foods. The store helped so many people throughout the community. Jimmy received several awards and accolades as a successful business owner. After selling the family business, he later became a security guard working at Munson Williams. One could not get him to stop working if they tried! His work ethic was a true testament to his character. Boxing was his one true sport, he loved to watch them and talk shows on the television. Jimmy loved music and was a self-taught guitarist. Jimmy loved reading books. He could fix anything after reading a book on it, and was usually designated as “Mr. Fix It.” Jimmy also took public speaking courses at night in order to improve on his communications skills and to prepare hosting his nightly talk show at a local radio station. Jimmy was a good son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He could be a little cynical at times, but unfailingly he was kind, caring and sensitive. He made lifelong friends wherever he went, from his accountants to investors. He would talk to and help anyone he encountered, no matter their background. Jimmy was a pillar of his community and was well respected. He was dedicated to improving the lives of others through his generosity, leadership and service. His legacy of unwavering compassion and love for others continues to inspire his family and those who knew him. As the unnamed mayor of Utica, family and friends were always welcome to fellowship with him at his home. Those visiting Utica wouldn’t leave town without stopping by to see him and Annie Jo. He was the true epitome of an impeccable man. Jimmy leaves to mourn his and Annie Jo’s cherished memories to their children; beloved sons, James C. Voss, Jr., Victor E. and Jill Voss (Jimmy’s only daughter-in-law who worked closely with him at Voss’ Carry Out) and Michael D. Voss, a devoted son and primary caregiver, who dedicated himself selflessly to providing to the needs of his father during his final years. Jimmy also leaves his only daughter and son-in-law, Sonya M. and Miklos Baugh with whom he shared unique bonds. He thought of Miklos as a son and he enjoyed talking with him about politics, business and the importance of family. He also leaves three precious grandsons, Jordon Voss, Jazmon Voss, and Bryant Baugh; and only great-grandson, Saviyon Voss. He further leaves to cherish his memory a special first cousin, Lonnie Voss and his wife Mary; a devoted nephew and his wife, Steve and Ruthie Stokes, who would call and talk with Jimmy every week; godchildren, many family members and friends. Jimmy was predeceased by his dearest siblings, Mary Pearson, Minnie B. Cheatam, Emma (Voss) Newman, and Floyd Voss; his wife’s beloved grandmother, Ollie Mae (Walker) McGuffey, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond and who took the role of mother-in-law in his heart; and special uncle-in-law, Robert Walker. Jimmy cherished the memory of many close family and friends that had passed before him. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Wynn Hospital for their exceptional care, and to the nurses at Hospice and Palliative Care for the comfort and compassion they gave our dad. For all of those who have showed our family love and expressed your condolences through words of encouragement and prayer, calls, texts, cards and flowers, with heartfelt gratitude, we thank you. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at Eannace Funeral Home, 923 South Street, Corner of Hammond Ave., Utica, NY and on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah Street, Utica, NY. Jimmy’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 11:00 a.m. at the church. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86583472182. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Annie Jo. This tribute to Jimmy’s life was lovingly written by his family.

Mr. James C. "Jimmy" Voss, Sr.

June 10, 1935 - February 25, 2025