OXFORD – James D. Podraza, 75, of Oxford, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010 at Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich.
He was born on April 22, 1935 in Shamokin, Pa., a son of the late George and Margaret (Dirk) Podraza. On June 22, 1957, he married Hazel Peterson, who survives.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Hazel; his daughters, Ellen Levine and Diane and husband Christopher Connor; his son, Robert Podraza and wife Laurel; seven grandchildren whom he greatly loved, Alex, Claire, John, Rachel, Robert, Victoria, and Morgan; his brother George and wife Margaret Podraza of Denver, Co.
Jim graduated from Syracuse University with the Class of 1957, where he was a three year letterman with a football scholarship. He was an ROTC student, following graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Ft. Benning, GA for two years and then served six years as a company commander in the Active Reserves.
He was an educator his entire professional life, first as a science/chemistry teacher and football coach at Vernon, Verona, Sherrill Central School. In 1979, he became the high school principal at Oxford Academy and Central School, where he was instrumental in establishing the Dollars for Scholars Program. Following his retirement, he served as an interim principal at several schools.
Jim was always active in the community, especially with the Oxford Lions Club, where he was always in charge of the annual community Christmas Dinner. He was also an active member of the Oxford United Methodist Church, where he held many leadership positions.
He loved to play golf with his friends, and having coffee with the men at Clachan Coffee House. He was a very active member of the Board at Riverview Cemetery in Oxford. He was proud of building his own home in Oxford with his family.
He will be greatly missed by his family, his church and his community of friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Oxford United Methodist Church with Rev. John Martin officiating.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, on Friday from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Dollars for Scholars.