Mr. Rodger F. James Sr., age 77 of Parishville, NY passed away on May 28, 2017 at the Highland Nursing Home in Massena after a two year battle with cancer.
He is survived by his two sons Rodger F. James Jr. and Trevor H. James of Parishville; his daughter Jody L. James of Parishville; his brother Robert James and his wife, Rebecca of Hannawa Falls; his sister Barbara Papayanakos of Syracuse; his Seven grandchildren Kel and Katie Cook; Cassandra, Alexis, Amberley, Aidan and Brianna James; his great grandson Grayson Cook and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Joan (Despaw) James to whom he was married for 47 years.
Rodger was born on April 28, 1940 in Potsdam, NY to the late Carson James and Charie (Trombley) James. He graduated from Potsdam Central High School in 1959 and later went on to Barber School in Syracuse receiving his certificate in 1961.
For several years he operated a barbershop on Water Street in Potsdam and then later opened his own barbershop in Parishville where he then moved. There he worked, raised his family and lived his remaining years. He worked as a driver for UPS, a school bus driver at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School and finally for the Town of Parishville Highway Department from which he retired in 1996. He was also an exempt member of the Parishville Volunteer Fire Department.
During his youth Rodger became very passionate of the outdoors and playing sports. He became a skilled hockey player; even playing in a few games with the Lake Placid Roamers after graduating high school. While in Syracuse he excelled at bowling and considered going professional. As years passed he continued bowling and took up playing horseshoes. It was only until recently that he sadly had to give them up.
His love for the outdoors came from his many years spent at Joe Indian Pond camping, fishing and hunting. He, along with a couple of close friends, started a hunting/fishing club at Joe Indian known as the “Upper Club”. It still is gong strong today.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 3pm at the Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam with Rev. Lee Sweeney as celebrant. Burial will follow the service at the Southville Cemetery. Friends may call June 5th from 1-3pm. Contributions can be made to the Parishville Volunteer Fire Department.