Obituary of James R. Snow

James (Jim) Snow, age 84, passed away on February 1, 2015, after a brief illness at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Jim was born on September 4, 1930, in DeRuyter, New York, son of Francis and Edith Weaver Snow. Raised and educated locally, Jim graduated from Westmoreland Central School in 1948. On May 10, 1952, he married Eleanor Jane Whitney whom he shared a loving relationship with until her passing in November of 2007. Jim was employed by Coleman Brothers Trucking until 1975 when Coleman Brothers was purchased by Red Star Trucking, and remained there until his retirement in 1992 with 43 years of combined service. Jim met many people along his routes in the Mohawk Valley and remembered them fondly throughout the years. Jim was also a member of the Teamsters Local 182. Jim had many passions in his life but none more than the passion to serve. In 1950, Jim became a member of the Stanwix Heights Volunteer Fire Department, to which he was a life member. He made the fire department his life as his dedication was unmatched. During his time at Stanwix Heights, Jim held several line offices including EMT, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and over 30 years of holding the office of Chief. Jim was well known and respected for his knowledge and dedication to the craft of firefighting and rescue, attending as many certification courses as possible with his men even if he had been certified in a course several times, helping build a bond and working cohesiveness with his firemen. Ever the teacher, Jim held weekly training classes within the department ranging from simple maintenance to advance fire attack strategy. He always made sure his guys were ready to go. As Fire Chief, Jim had one simple philosophy of never asking his guys to do anything he wouldn't do, while always keeping them safe at a scene. Jim loved his guys and saw a lot of people come and go throughout his time as chief. He remembered them fondly and was proud to have been a part of their lives always hoping that he had played a little part of whom they had become at Stanwix Heights. Jim was a member of the Oneida County Firemen's Association, Fireman's Association State of New York, Oneida County Chiefs Association, Oneida County Fire Police Association, and the New York State Fire Police Association. In 1967, Jim was the co-founder and director of the Stanwix Heights Ridge Runners Drum & Bugle Corps. Jim was always proud of the kids and the fire department's "Purple and Gold" marching unit, which won numerous awards throughout Oneida County and New York State. As chief, Jim was awarded the "best appearing chief" award countless times. Later, Jim became a member of the Oneida County Parade Judges Association and served as a parade judge for many area field days and conventions. Jim was a member of the New York National Guard between 1949 and 1959, serving as a tank commander at the rank of First Sergeant. Jim was a member of the Roman Hathaway Lodge 227 of the Free and Accepted Masons, being raised into brotherhood in 1969 Jim was the Scoutmaster for Troop 18 from the mid 1950's until the late 1960's, working with many area youth and creating memorable camping expeditions throughout the north county at Camp Kingsley and several island sites in the Adirondacks. Jim and Eleanor were also members of the Stanwix Heights Trailer Club, as they were both avid campers, and would be off to any number of places that they enjoyed throughout the summer months. On most of those camping trips, you could always find Jim out on his boat fishing, and in the evening he loved nothing more than to sit by the fire with his family and friends and just enjoy the evening. Jim is pre-deceased by his wife Eleanor and is survived by his sons, Philip and Donna Snow, Waterville, Brian and Maryann Snow, Utica, and Steven Snow of Rome. Grandchildren, Andrew and Leah Snow of Toronto, Canada, Melissa Snow and her fiancé Matthew Saunders of Milford, Massachusetts, and Dr. John Horvath of Tallahassee, Florida. Jim also had a love for animals and in particular his dogs Dory, Amber, Jesse, and most recently Molly. The family would like to thank the staff of the Windham household of the Masonic Care Community for their outstanding care of Jim over the past 5 years, with a special thanks to Monica, Crystal, Lucy, Natalie, Bridgett, Millie, Senata, Shelley, Nicole, Charlene, and Jennifer for the extra care and making him smile and laugh a little more each day while he was there. We will never forget what you all did for him. Jim will always be remembered for his quiet, gentle demeanor, his mischievous sense of humor, and how he related to people even while being a "grumpy old man". Visitation will be held Friday February 6th from 3:00 to 7:00 at the Barry Funeral Home at 807 W. Chestnut St., Rome with funeral services being performed immediately after visitation. A firemen's service will be performed at 6:30 PM. Burial will be performed in the spring at the family's convenience. Contributions can be made in Jim's name to the Stanwix Heights Volunteer Fire Department.