SHERBURNE – James K. Meyers Jr., age 83, of Pleasant Valley Road, Sherburne and Fawn Lake Road, Sacandaga Lake, died Dec. 4, 2011 at home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Jim was born in Bound Brook, N.J. on Feb. 19, 1928 to the late James K. Meyers, Sr. and Anna Brokaw Meyers. In 1932 the family moved to Smyrna, where Jim attended a one-room schoolhouse and later went to the Sherburne High School. After high school Jim joined the U.S. Army for two years. On May 23, 1954 Jim married Marian Hotaling in the Columbus Community Church, where he ultimately held several offices and taught Sunday school. Jim held employment at Baillie Lumber, Utica Knitting Mill, Central Milk Haulers, Cossitt Express, and Howards Express where he retired in 1993. But Jim was a happier driver than a retiree, so he drove for several more years for Hermans Express.
In addition to his commitment to family and the Columbus Community Church, Jim enjoyed boating and working at his summer home on Sacandaga Lake, snowmobiling, and traveling. Jim and Marian traveled to Europe, England-Ireland-Scotland, Alaska, and many of the states of America. They also skied while vacationing in Vermont and snowmobiled the Rockies with friends in the Teton Mountains of Wyoming. They also road snowmobiles for many years covering many miles in the Adirondacks traveling from their homes on Sacandaga Lake and in Sherburne. Jim was counted on by many in his snowmobile group to lead everyone safely home; sometimes with interesting “short-cuts.”
Jim is survived by his wife Marian of 57 years; son Steven and daughter-in-law Carolyn Meyers of Wynantskill; brother Robert (Jean) Meyers of Oneida; sister Gertrude Miller of Venice, Fla.; brother Harold (Ellen) Meyers of Washington State; brother-in-law Chuck Gorton of Poolville; beloved grandchildren Samuel, Gregory, and Lauren Meyers of Wynantskill, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his son James K. Meyers III, his sister Janet Gorton and his parents.
There will be a brief prayer service 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne followed by funeral services at the Columbus Community Church at 11 a.m. and interment with military honors in the Columbus Corners Cemetery.
A reception will be held at the Whitney House following the services.
In lieu of flowers please contribute in Jim’s memory to Columbus Community Church, 4311 State Hwy. 80, New Berlin, NY 13411 or Hospice Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.