NORWICH – John F. James, 62, long time Norwich resident and without a doubt the #1 fan of the Cleveland Browns, passed away early Sunday morning, Nov. 22, 2009 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
The son of John (Popsie) and Betty Thompson James, John was born in Cleveland, Ohio in November of 1947. He moved with his family to Norwich in 1957 and was a 1966 graduate of the Norwich High School. A man with an incredible work ethic, his working career started while still in school working first with Child’s Gas Station and then Davis Tire. Following his schooling he went to work for Victory Markets for a period of 23 years, driving tractor trailer. He subsequently worked for Weiss Markets with his last employment being with Conway Central Express when his health required him to retire.
John was without question a sports fan with the CLEVELAND BROWNS being his #1 team. With a walk through his home it soon became evident that the Browns were dear to his heart. Hats, pictures, jerseys, jackets, signed cards from the team and the list goes on. John could rattle off the stats of the team and players without batting an eye. He was also a fan of the Cleveland Indians and the Ohio State Buckeyes, but let it be known that the BROWNS were HIS team.
John was also deeply committed and dedicated to the Norwich Football sports program. His love and passion of the game earned him the respect of all who knew him. For over 35 years he roamed the sidelines of the Norwich Football games and was a member of the Norwich Cyclones and NHS “chain gang” where he would do his own kind of coaching. Away from the school football field, John was also respected and feared in the backyard “sand lot” football games in and around the city of Norwich. Not stopping with football, he was also a coach for the girls and womens softball teams and at one point coached the girls all the way to the National Playoffs. He was also an avid bowler having bowled on several city leagues and was a member of the YMCA. Throughout his life, John had a “need for speed” and over the years had owned several fast cars.
On Dec. 17, 1995 in Norwich he married Judy Parker, who survives. Besides his wife Judy, John is survived by his sisters, Judy Mclntyre and her husband Jim and Joni James of Norwich; and his brother Mick James and his wife Cherie, also of Norwich; his sister-in-law, Joann Shultis and her husband Jerry of Delhi. Many nieces, nephews, an aunt, uncles, great nieces, great nephews and cousins also survive.
A Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday from St. Paul’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Douglas Cunningham will officiate.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815 or to the Chenango County SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.