James E. 'Jim' Fey

Boonville- James E. Fey, 85, of Schuyler St, husband of Lois, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 12, 2014, while fishing in the Adirondacks, something that he greatly enjoyed. He was born in Boonville, on March 14, 1929, to Albert P. Fey and Julia Moltz Fey. Jim was raised in Boonville and spent his childhood with friends roaming around the foothills and western Adirondack Mountains. He graduated from Boonville High School in 1946, and went on to Syracuse University, where he studied pre-law, before entering Albany Law School, in 1948. He was a member of the Albany Law Review and graduated cum laude in 1951. Afterwards he law-clerked for Atty. Albert Moore, until he was drafted in the US Army thirteen days after he was admitted to the practice of law in New York State. After basic training, he was sworn in as a first lieutenant in the Judge Advocate General's Corp. After a year of service at Fort Campbell, he belatedly attended JAG school at the University of Virginia. He was assigned as the Judge Advocate of Valley Forge Army Hospital at age twenty-three. After his honorable discharge from active duty, Jim worked in the Claim Department of Allstate Insurance Co. Syracuse, and was active in the US Army Reserves until he was appointed an Investigator in the Office of Investigations, GAO. He was assigned to Denver, CO, and later Salt Lake City, where his duties took him to a number of western states. In Denver, while skiing, Jim met the love of his life, Lois Rojahn. Since long times away from home was not his idea of marriage, he returned to Allstate, in Syracuse, and on November 17, 1956, James was united in marriage with Lois, at St. Joseph's Church, Boonville. While in Syracuse, Mr. Fey was admitted to practice in the US Federal District Court in Northern NY. Jim went from Assistant Manager to Trial Attorney and negotiated an agreement where he could practice law in Utica, and thereby return to his beloved hometown and the nearby Western Adirondacks. Before retiring in 1990, he was a member of the US Bar Association, Onondaga County Bar Association and was also a member of the Adirondack School Board, where he served as president for two years. He maintained his membership in the Oneida County Bar Association, as a life member. Jim was also a life member of Boonville Rod and Gun Club, Boonville Council Knights of Columbus, Boonville Elks Lodge, and the Charles J. Love American Legion Post # 406. Mr. Fey's Catholic Faith and his wife and family were at the center of his life. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church, Boonville. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Lois, and their children; Thomas D. Fey (Liz) Tampa, FL, Edward J. Fey ( Dr. Beth), Kernersville, NC, Catherine A. Murphy (David), Oriskany, Robert A. Fey (Dr. Trish), Easton, CT, and Elizabeth M. Ward (John), St. Cloud, FL, fourteen grandchildren, three great grand children, one sister, Shirley Flynn, Glenfield, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Clarence (Bud) Fey, Boonville, and by a sister, Mary Demo, Croghan. Jim was extremely proud of the fact that he was able to move back to Boonville, where he and Lois could bring up their five children to enjoy the outdoors in a rural setting away from the influences of the city. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, where Rev. Fr. Thomas E. Kornmeyer, pastor of St. Mary's Church, Evans Mills, and a long time family friend will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Boonville, with Military Rites provided from Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW, and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville. Calling hours are Monday 1-4 & 6-8 at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where members of the Boonville Council Knights of Columbus will meet at 7:30 for services. Forget the flowers and contribute to a charity of your choice (or whatever). ~~ By: James E. Fey ~~