GREENE – James Russell “Jim” Root, 58, formerly of Oxford, passed away in his home in Greene with his family.
Jim was the ultimate teacher, both in his life and his death. He was a well respected teacher at Sidney High School, Professor at Oneonta State University, and baseball coach for over a decade. He was the most gracious partner to his loving fiancé, father to his children, brother to his siblings, and son to his parents.
He was predeceased by father, James Root; brother, Craig Root; and paternal and maternal grandparents.
He is survived by fiancé, Adrienne Dooher and her children, Melissa (Matt) and George (Lauren); mother, Elizabeth; son, James (Justyna) and their son, James; son, Michael (Faryn); daughter, Kristina (Shawn); brother, Russell (Melody) and their daughter, Mackenzie; sister, Susan (Scott) Rice and their boys, Brian and Tyler; sister, Robin; and many other extended family and friends.
Jim loved the Yankees and would rarely miss a game or an opportunity to watch them. He also enjoyed literary works of all genres, including Robert Frost and Clive Cussler. Jim always encouraged those around him “not to sweat the small stuff,” and lived one day at a time with patience, dignity, and a gentleness extended to both the people he knew as well as to those he did not. In the 1970s and 80s Jim coached Little League Baseball and his teams had a flare for celebrating homeruns by singing “Come Mister Tallyman, tally me bananas. Daylight come and me wanna go home.” Jim loved to quote movies and song lyrics, and would smile when we would remind him “You’re not a songwriter Jim, you’re a poet.” Jim touched the lives of thousands of people. He often took the road less traveled, and that made all the difference.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Zion Episcopal Church, Greene. Friends of the family may call Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Root Funeral Home 23 North Chenango Street Greene.
In lieu of flowers the family will be creating a scholarship in memory of Jim. Donations may be made to Dollars for Scholars, c/o Sidney Federal Credit Union, 42 Union Street, Sidney, NY 13838. Please include Jim Root’s name in the memo line of the check.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.