NEW BERLIN – On May 24, 2007, James R. Straite, 78, formerly of 82 South Main Street, New Berlin, entered into eternal rest after a courageous battle with kidney failure.
He was born Sept. 12, 1928 in Binghamton, the son of the late Lowell and Dorothy Straite. He had a life-long passion with aviation and worked in commercial aviation as crewman upon completing his military service.
On Oct. 14, 1950, Jim was united in marriage to his wife of 57 years, the former Helen Kostun. He entered the insurance field at an early age with the General Accident Bureau in Binghamton eventually being transferred to Boston.
Jim then joined the Preferred Mutual Insurance Company in New Berlin and through numerous promotions retired as manager of the Claims Department and held the position of Vice-President.
In years past, Jim was a Boy Scout leader in Binghamton and New Berlin. He was an avid deer hunter and spent many summers fishing at Hunt’s Pond with his wife and children by his side. He served on the Narcotics Addiction Control Commission in the early 1970s. Jim was an active member of the New Berlin Fire Department, and Emergency Squad for over 10 years and served on the first Chenango County Arson Task Force. Jim was a member of the American Legion, and former member of the Masonic Lodge. He was also a long-term financial supporter of underprivileged children in third world countries, eventually adopting two children.
He was known as an avid reader and historian, and went on to become a leading member of numerous British Revolutionary War re-enactment units. He dedicated his retirement to researching historical battles and events associated with the Revolutionary War then choreographing re-enactments. Jim traveled all over the United States with these re-enactments and was a well known face in the annual Boston 4th of July Parade and events. He also enjoyed meticulously crafting military model airplanes.
Jim is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Helen K. Straite along with his three children, Mark and Karen Straite of North Carolina, Robin and Gerald Thomas of Norwich and son William Straite and his significant other Eliesa Thomas of Utica. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gregory J. Thomas, Gerald N. Thomas Jr., Erin Thomas, Brandon Straite, Samantha Straite, and Shelby Straite. Jim is also survived by a very loving and true extended family, the patients of the Binghamton General Hospital Kidney Dialysis Unit.
During his lengthy and difficult illness, Jim spent the last months of his life with his loving family by his side. He truly taught more about love, compassion, and dignity to his family than most do in a lifetime.
At Jim’s request, there will be no viewing or calling hours. A graveside committal service will be held in the spring where he will be joined with the earth.
A special thank you goes out to the staff and residents of Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Residential Center, along with a special thank you to Eliesa for the hours spent comforting Jim and his family.
It is requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Binghamton General Hospital Kidney Dialysis Unit, Mitchell Street, Binghamton, in Jim’s name. Donations are used for patient care and comfort during dialysis.
To the patients of Binghamton General Hospital’s Kidney Dialysis Family, we can’t thank you enough for the friendship and support shown to Jim and our family. You will always be in our prayers.
To the Staff of Binghamton General Hospital’s Kidney Dialysis Unit, you have spent your lives training, learning, and working to ease the pain and suffering of those afflicted by a devastating disease. Your medical care and professionalism is exceptional. The biggest difference you have ever made in the lives of your patients and their families has come from the love, care, compassion, and friendship that you have given your patients and their families. Despite your knowledge and skills the disease cannot be cured, but you have lifted the burden, eased the pain, and you have given your patients and families love, dignity, and friendship. You have cured more hurt with your hearts, than you will ever cure with a medication.
Arrangements are by the Dakin Funeral Home LP, New Berlin.