James H. Dennis

James Hamilton (“Jim”) Dennis Sr. went peacefully to walk with our Lord on Saturday, January 16, 2016 with family by his side.

Born on August 6, 1937, in Syracuse,Jim was the son of Lester and Marion (Hamilton) Dennis of Sherburne, NY. He graduated from Sherburne High School and went on to serve in the US Navy. On June 2, 1962, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, in Norwich, he married Antoinette (“Nettie”) Famolaro, who survives.

Jim will always be known for his warm smile, love of his family, and humanitarian efforts in and around the Norwich community. He was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Jay-cees. Like his great ancestor, Alexander Hamilton, Jim also was a fine treasurer and bookkeeper, working in such capacities at both Nearing Dodge and the Norwich City Schools. He also served the Norwich community for many years as Alderman of Ward 5 and volunteered numerous hours helping the Chenango County Republican Committee in many city, county, and state functions. For many years,Jim was also a volunteer fireman for the City of Norwich and for and the Ontario Hose Co. He encouraged his son, Jim Jr., to volunteer as a fireman as well, which Jim Jr. continues today. Jim was a recovering alcoholic of over 32 years, and so volunteered his time to act as treasurer of the local AA and helped sponsor many people through their own recoveries. He was a wonderful listener and would often comfort those who needed his advice or help.

Jim was an avid reader and had a love for old Westerns, WWII stories, a war-related movies starring John Wayne. In his earlier years, he loved to hunt and fish with his family and friends. Jim always looked forward to holidays and birthdays with his family, and a chance to eat one of Nettie’s famous cakes for the occasion. His favorite memories were those vacations with family at the beach, including Cape Cod, MA, and the Outer Banks in NC. Jim’s sense of humor and sincere love of his family and the community will be remembered by all who knew him.

Besides being a very loving and caring father, husband, brother, uncle, and son, Jim was very proud of his surviving family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Jim Dennis Jr. and his fiancée, Tracie Philippone, of Norwich; daughter Sandra Rice and her husband, Hasay, of Norwich; grandchildren Ryan, Amber, Mark & Miranda Costin, Alexander Dennis, Silas and Trent Rice, and Gabbie, Emilie and Liam Philippone; sister Judy Dennis-Dudley of Scotia, NY; niece Geri Byamand her husband, Dave, and their children Lilly and Chace; and several other nieces and nephews. Jim is also survived by his beloved dog, Pooky, and cat, Lucky.

A memorial Mass for Jim will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 22, 2016, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, where Rev. Ralph Bove, pastor, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring.

Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815, or to a charity of one’s choice.