James A. Sanford Sr., 76, of Plymouth, passed away unexpectedly early Friday morning, January 6, 2017 at his home in Plymouth.
Jim was born on January 9, 1940 in Salamanca, NY the son of Glenn and Ione (Kerr) Sanford Sr. He came to the area at an early age and attended the New Berlin school from which he graduated in 1958. Following his graduation he worked on several area farms, did construction work with his dad and worked at GLA in Norwich before entering the United States Army. Jim served his country from 1960 – 1964 with a deployment to Korea. Upon his honorable discharge he had earned the rank of Sergeant.
Jim was a man who was not afraid to work. Over the years he had been employed by Sheffield Chemical, worked construction for several years, Champion Products, the Town of Norwich Highway Dept., Unison and was the former Town of Plymouth Highway Superintendent from which he retired 14 years ago. He also did electrical work on the side and had served as the Town of Plymouth Town Justice.
Jim was also very active in the Plymouth community. He was a 43 year member of the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Dept. He had served as Chief, was former Asst. Chief and Treasurer of the Dept. He was instrumental in purchasing several trucks and starting the First Responder program of the department. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball, golf and was an avid bowler. He enjoyed NASCAR and for several years would go to Dover to the races with his family. Jim loved to read western books, enjoyed his hunting camp where he liked going with his son Jim and in later years grandson Cory and friends. He also enjoyed his friends stopping by the garage to visit or have a cup of coffee.
Above all else, Jim loved his wife, children, grandchildren and his little dog Princess.
On May 22, 1965 he married Jane E. Smith and 2 years ago they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Jim is survived by his wife Jane of Plymouth, his son James A. Sanford Jr. and wife Mary of Norwich, his daughter Kimberly J. Sanford of Plymouth, his grandchildren Onalee Sanford and significant other Thomas Parry of So. Edmeston, Jordan Sanford, Ryan Sanford and Cory Sanford along with his great granddaughter Savannah. Also surviving are his siblings, Glenn Sanford and wife Carol of Mich., Winona Vernon of KS, Gerry Cross and husband Charlie of Brookfield, Danny Sanford of MD and his sister-in -laws Joan Manley and E. Donna Seaman and his brother-in-law David Smith. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Glenn and Ione, his in-laws Orville and Alma (Gibbon) Smith, his brother Dell Sanford and brother- in-laws Richard Seaman and Bruce Manley.
A funeral service for Jim will be held on Tuesday, January 10, at 6:00 pm from the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home. Jack Goodchild of the Plymouth Fire Dept. will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 3-6 pm.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box 112 Plymouth, NY 13832.
Following the funeral service there will be a Celebration of Jim’s life at the Plymouth Fire House.