James E. Northam

Rome- James E. Northam, 82, passed away at his residence on Monday, May 30, 2016, while under the loving care of his wife, Anne and hospice. Jim was born in Utica, on June 21, 1933, a son of Leo J. and Margaret Schwenk Northam. He grew up in Constableville, where he graduated in Constableville High School, with the Class of 1951. While in high school, he excelled in athletics and was a member of the Basket Ball and Baseball Teams. He was the pitcher on the Baseball team and after high school Jim enjoyed playing on town Baseball teams. Jim was also talented in music; he greatly enjoyed playing the drums in the Constableville High School Band. In 1963, Constableville Fire Department, under the leadership of the late Howard Gingerich, suggested the addition of a drummer to facilitate the fire department marching unit at field days and fairs. Under the leadership of the late Mrs. June Scheidelman, with Jim as drummer and June as trumpeter and Howard as Flag Bearer, the long and thriving tradition of the "Cvillairs" Constableville Village and Fire Department Marching Band was began. Over the years this band expanded encompassing the membership of over 250 youngsters from Constableville and Lewis County. Mr. Northam continued to be the band drummer until 1973. In 2003, Jim attended the 40th anniversary of the Cvillars, serving as the drummer. After graduating from high school, Jim attended and graduating from Long Island Agricultural and Technical School, earning an associate's degree in aircraft maintenance. From 1954-1956, Mr. Northam served his country, first in the U.S. Airforce; after his honorable discharge, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving at Ft. Dix, NJ, before Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, where he was an army equipment tester; later he was transferred to Alaska, where he served until his honorable discharge. After serving his country, Jim returned to Constableville, where he was employed for General Telephone Co. Boonville. In 1957, Mr. Northam began his long and illustrious career in the airline industry. He was first employed for Robinson Airlines at Massena, Saranac Lake, and Rochester; later the Robinson Co. merged to become Mohawk Airlines, and Alleghany Airlines, Jim continued his employment with each company at the Utica-Rome Airport. In 1973, Mr. Northam was seriously injured in a fall from the cargo area of an airline. In 1976, he returned to work at Hancock International Airport in Syracuse where he was employed for U.S. Air and United Airlines in the Air Cargo offices. He retired on December 31, 1998, from U S Air Cargo, at Hancock Airport. On September 25, 1976, Jim was united in marriage with Anne Kornatowski, at St. Mary's Church, Constableville. This was a loving friendship and union enduring for nearly 40 years, which had begun when Jim met Anne, while Anne participated in the "Cvillairs" as a member of the color guard. Jim was a member of St. Mary's Church of Constableville. He greatly enjoyed reading about military history and Native American history, as well as working on the lawns and gardens at his home. He is survived by his wife, Anne and by several cousins. Visitation hours will be Friday, June 3, from 4-8 p.m. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where a prayer service will be observed at 4:30 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Constableville Fire Department, P.O. Box 438, Constableville, NY 13325.