In Memory of James E. Van Slyke

Obituary

James E. Van Slyke, 88, of New Hartford, died, June 6, 2018, at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare.

He was born, June 7, 1929, in Hamilton, NY, the son of Frederick and Surnie Hussie VanSlyke. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1947, attended Colgate University, on a full academic and athletic scholarship, graduating in 1951 and received his Master's in Science Degree from Colgate in 1952.
He served in the US Army from 1952-54 when he was honorably discharged.

James married Virginia Blowers on July 2, 1955 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Morrisville, NY, a blessed union of 62 years.
His educational career in New Hartford Central Schools started in 1954 with his teaching of Math and Science, being a Coach, Guidance Counselor, Junior High School Principal and Senior High School Principal. Upon leaving New Hartford High School, in 1985, he continued on to become a Town and Village Judge for New Hartford, to which he was elected to seven terms. He retired as Town Justice in 2013 and continued as Village Justice until March of this year.

After leaving his career in education he found his passion for cooking. His culinary skills gave another way to express his deep love for his family. His intelligence was self-evident but humbly portrayed. He had the ability to find humor in any situation throughout his life. He was a man who came from very humble beginnings to build a wonderful life for his family. He touched everyone who was fortunate to come in contact with him through his vocations.

Throughout the years he was a member of several organizations including St. John the Evangelist Church.

James is survived by his wife, Virginia, of New Hartford; his children, Matt VanSlyke and Beth Allen, of Chicago, Patrice and Drew Borsz, of Holly Springs, NC, Andrew and Lauri VanSlyke, of St. Louis, MO and Mary and Jim Femia, of Clinton; his cherished grandchildren, A.J., Scott and Audrey, Jared and Lauren and Nathan Van Slyke, Corinne and Jason Martin, Shawna and Jason Thompson and Andy Borsz, James, Anna and Jillian Femia; his great-grandchildren, Jackson, Elijah and Gabriel, Sarah, Everett, Samuel and Annelise; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one sister; and four brothers.

The funeral will be Monday at 11:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, New Hartford, where a Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Clayville. Calling hours are on Sunday, 2-5 PM, at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremations Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider Priests for Life, Food for the Poor, St. Thomas More Society or the Priestly Fraternity for St. Peter or the Disabled American Vets.