James F. Reidy

Age 90, went home to be with the Lord on the 8th day of July 2006 at 9:00 PM surrounded by his loving family. Jim was predeceased by Barbara Toots, his wife of 56 years. The love of his life and the only woman he ever dated. Jim was born at home on Myrtle Ave. in Binghamton, NY. He was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1915 to Frank and Luella Reidy. Jim lived most of his life in the Elmira area. He graduated from Southside High School. When Jims father died in 1931, they moved to Beecher Street in Elmira. After marrying they purchased a home on Harmon Street on Elmiras Southside about 1948. He continued to live there for the rest of his life. Jim briefly worked in New York City, then returned to Elmira where he worked for Hardinge Brothers, Inc. He left there to work for Corning Glass. Jim retired from Corning Inc. in 1981 with over 30 years of service and received the 50-year pin on May 8, 2000. Jim was a member and past master of the Big Flats Lodge # 378 F & AM, and the Cashmere Grotto. Though Jims life he was an avid camper traveling throughout the United States. He also at different times enjoyed gardening, bowling, playing cards, reading, crossword puzzles, photography and the New York Yankees. He said, I only watch football because the Yankees dont play in the winter. Jim was predeceased by his loving wife, Barbara Toots and his brother John Red Reidy. Jim is survived by his son, James F. (Janice) Reidy Jr.; daughter, Catherine (Ed) Susemihl; brother-in-law, Donald (Carole) Allen; sister-in-law, Betty (Henry) Slovak; grandson, David (Deanna) Reidy; granddaughters, Patricia (Maurice) Harling, Jennifer Reidy and Kimberly Foe. He also had 8 great grandchildren along with many cousins, nephews and nieces. Jim was an extremely caring and generous man who loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family; and was loved as much in return. He enjoyed the company of many close friends throughout his whole life. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral Services celebrating Jims life will be held there on Wednesday, July 12th at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery where Jim will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Barbara. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to the Big Flats Masonic Lodge # 378 c/o 20 Cayuga Drive Horseheads, NY 14845. Lodge NoticeOfficers and members of the Big Flats Masonic Lodge # 378 F & AM will meet at the Funeral Home Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM to conduct a service for our dear departed brother. Signed Master Don Drake A Last Message from JimHello Toots Its JimTodays the day we are back together!And its forever!Love,Jim