JOHN CURTIS
OXFORD – John M. Curtis of Oxford, NY, went to heaven February 8, 2015. He was born on April 22, 1949 in Sidney, NY to Reeve and Jane (Rockowitz) Curtis. John grew up in Mt Upton, NY. He graduated from high school in 1967. He then attended both SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Cortland where he completed his Masters Degree in Physical Education. While at SUNY Cobleskill he met and later married Jean Rosekrans, his wife of 43 years. They were united in marriage October 7, 1972. They were blessed with three children; Kristi and Matt Downey; Michael and Tracy (Armstrong) and Alison and Jeff Buckley; they were further blessed with 6 grandchildren; Calghen, Rylee, Vera, Mackenzie, Devon and Mason. They were the apple of Pop-Pop's eye. John had two sisters, Charleen Sastri and Nancy Shepard. He was predeceased by his parents Reeve and Jane Curtis and in-laws Ed and Grace Rosekrans. Grace and John had a very special bond and were gathered by the Lord only two days apart.
John's entire 33 years of teaching were devoted to the Oxford Academy School District. John began his teaching career at the Oxford Primary School, where he is remembered for orchestrating the annual tumbling shows, morning announcement weatherman, for his role as Mr. Q in the marriage of Q and U as well as many other roles. Years later students have not forgotten the unique nicknames designated to them by Mr. Curtis. After 20 years at the primary school John moved to the middle school. He was known as "Super Curtis". During PE classes he joined the losing team in a competitive game and helping to create a come from behind win. As a PE teacher in high school John served as a mentor and role model for many students and athletes; whether it was tutoring students in math, or providing words of encouragement and support. He also had the role of athletic director during his tenure at the high school.John coached many levels of basketball and football throughout his time at Oxford Academy. He led several of his teams to league and sectional championships. Not only did John passionately teach the skills of the sport, he embedded values by example and discipline that have influenced them for a life time. He was recognized for his commitment as a teacher and coach of OACS through the dedication of the football scoreboard in 2010. He considered it a great honor and was humbled by the outpouring of love shown through this honor. During the summer season he ran the Oxford Community Pool for 30+ years. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf, officiating high school and college lacrosse, and attending his children’s' sporting events, kayaking and maintaining the OACS athletic fields. Despite John's dedication to his many roles, he was never too busy to lend a helping hand. He will always be remembered for his kindness, sincerity, friendship and fairness, along with the true spirit of selfless giving. Character traits his father, Reeve Curtis passed on to him.
Memorial contributions may be made to the John Curtis Scholarship Fund, c/o Oxford Academy and Central School, PO Box 192, Oxford, NY 13830.
Funeral services will be held at Oxford United Methodist Church, 36 South Washington Ave. Oxford, NY on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Diane DeLuzio officiating. Friends may call at the Oxford United Methodist Church, Thursday, February 12 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, NY 13830. Friends and family may share their memories and condolences by visiting www.behefuneralhome.com.