John V. James

John Vincent James passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 19, 2001, at the Oneida Healthcare Center with his family by his side. John was born on the family farm in Canastota, NY, on March 30, 1925, the son of Edward B. and Helena (Brophy) James. He attended Canastota schools and worked for Oneida Ltd. before joining the Navy in 1943. During his Navy career, John traveled the world twice and saw wartime duty in the European and Pacific Theatres. Upon his discharge in December 1945, he worked for the NYS Forestry Division prior to serving in the Canastota Police Department for 28 years, the last 25 years as Chief. John retired as Chief of Police in November 1985. Soon after his retirement and up to the present, John was working for his daughter and son-in-law at the Village Veterinary Hospital in Wampsville. His passions in life included his family, fishing on Lake Ontario with his son-in-law, deer hunting with his long-time friend John McClellan, gardening, and time spent at the family camp in West Leyden, NY. John and his wife enjoyed over 30 years of travels throughout Canada and the United States with their dear friends, Frank and Lorena Nichols. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Oneida, American Legion Post 140, PBA, and the NYS Association of Chiefs of Police. John was a former Scoutmaster for Troop #123 in Wampsville, and a former Canastota Lions Club member. John married Nancy Kirsten Johnson on April 29, 1972 in Oneida. John is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his children, Suzette James VanDreason (Ray), Nickolette James Brown (Kerry), Leezette James, Richard Carrier, Jr. (Sandy), Christopher Carrier (Barb), Lori Carrier Nadeau (Bernie), 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his former wife, Beverly James. John was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Edward James, Naomi Niles, Ann Kaltenbach, and Martha James. Services will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Oneida, Broad Street. Visitation will Wednesday 3-6 p.m. at the church. Spring interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, Oneida. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Oneida, NY, Ride-for-Life Equine and Family Center, Greater Lenox Ambulance Service of Canastota, Canastota Wanderersï¿(TM) Rest Humane Association of Canastota. Arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler Street, Boonville. Please use the "Sign Guestbook" link below to leave an online message of sympathy, or to share a memory of John.