James E. Churchill

James E. Churchill, 94 years young, passed away unexpectedly at Upstate Hospital with family by his side on August 17th, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 74 years, Joyce Churchill (Marks), his daughter Debra Capozzi (Churchill), and great-grandson Gabriel Schaffer.

James is survived by his daughters Brenda (Sarah Chapman) Churchill of Enosburg Falls, VT, and Sue Churchill of North Syracuse, NY. He also leaves behind his grandson James (Melanie) Schaffer of Sherwood, OR, and his granddaughters Jessica (Christopher) Banta of Clarksville, TN, Teresa (Nicholas) Beardslee of Mexico, NY, and Elisabeth (Christopher) Bourgeois of Elmira, NY. James is also survived by extended family in Texas, his niece Sally (Patrick) Gaffney of Rhinebeck, NY, and his ten cherished great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.

Born in Elmira, New York in 1929, James was a US Army veteran and served his country in Japan during the Korean War, earning the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1951. He continued his service to the community as a firefighter with the Skaneateles Volunteer Fire Department, before moving to Syracuse. For many years, James dedicated himself to his work at New Process Gear until his retirement. In his retirement years, he enjoyed part-time work with AMSA, now known as Loomis Fargo Armored Car Services, as well as other security agencies in the Syracuse area.

James was a private and proud individual, content to live a life away from the spotlight. He will be remembered as a truly admirable man, possessing an infectious laugh and a quick sense of humor. James had a welcoming spirit and always seemed to know the right thing to say. He loved pickup trucks and was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. He spent countless hours in the woods pursuing both small and big game, and could often be found wading in local streams and ponds searching for trout. James also loved camping, especially in the simplicity of a small pup tent. After his retirement, James and Joyce were campground hosts for many years at Quechee Gorge, VT. At home, he enjoyed tinkering on projects in his basement or around the yard, always taking special pride in the flowers he planted for Joyce. He found joy in watching the birds and squirrels in his backyard, ensuring their feeders were always full.

James’s name and love for the outdoors live on in his grandson, who continues the tradition of taking his own children hiking and camping. James was an integral part of his granddaughters' lives, rarely missing a school event and always there with his camera to capture every precious moment. James shared his extreme pride and unconditional love for his daughter Brenda, and cherished her regular visits and the opportunity to spend quality time together. 

Calling hours will take place at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 705 N. Main St., North Syracuse, NY 13212 on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 4-6pm. Funeral Services will follow at 6pm.  To view a livestream of the service Click here

Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, Skaneateles, NY on Friday, August 23, 2024, 9:30am. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Springside for their compassionate care and support, always being there to lend a helping hand to James. 

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