James R. Beecher

Age 84, was born August 31, 1925 in Elmira, NY, the son of the late James Rexford and Miriam (Hays) Beecher Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the Elcor Health Services where he most recently resided. His brother, John Hendy Beecher and sister, and brother in law, Barbara Beecher (Charles) Allen predeceased him. He is survived by his loving children: daughters, Dr. Pamela Beecher, (Dr. James Prince) of Corse Gold, CA; Amanda Beecher Eubanks of Elmira, NY; sons, James Rundell Beecher of Elmira, NY; Scott Hendy Beecher of Horseheads, NY; along with grandchildren, Valarie Beecher Eubanks, Stephen James Eubanks, Sarah Marian Prince, Hillary Elizabeth Prince; brother, Harry (Peggy) Beecher of Riverside, CT; Judy Allen of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law, JoAnne Beecher of Elmira, NY; along with several nieces and nephews, and relatives. James was a graduate of Elmira Free Academy class of 1943. He was a Veteran of the US Army proudly serving his country during WW II and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He attended Cornell University and graduated with a law degree from the Albany Law School. He operated his practice in the Elmira area and was a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Elmira. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and very active in the Elmira Heights Rotary Club. James was a great family man loving his children and grandchildren and family. He loved Seneca Lake and the fond memories that surrounded him there. He was a natural historian, who loved to write. Most recently, James enjoyed taking rides and visiting areas that held a sentimental place in his heart. Reminiscing about the farms he worked as a young adult as well as the memories of many other places in this great area were also very dear to him. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Thursday, October 8, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services honoring his life will be held on Friday, October 9th in The Park Church 208 West Gray Street Elmira, NY at 10:00 AM where the Reverend Wayne Gustafson will celebrate Jim's celebration. Interment will follow where his family and friends will meet at the Woodlawn Cemetery to share in graveside committal prayers and witness full military honors accorded. Honoring Jim's personal sacrifice defending our countries freedom. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to The Children's Miracle Network c/o AOMC 600 Roe Ave. Elmira, NY 14901 in his memory. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for his family in obituaries at www.olthof.comThank YouThe Beecher family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Staff at Elcor Health Services for the outstanding love and care given to James.