Jim graduated from Pembroke High School, Bryant & Stratton College, and was a retired accountant who enjoyed working with numbers. He loved music and played guitar and sang vocals in many local bands throughout his life. He especially loved The Beatles. Jim looked forward to football games and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. In retirement, Jim was passionate about photography and bird-watching. He loved having cookouts for the family, spending time outside working on projects, and building model train sets. He had some of the best stories and enjoyed sharing them with the people closest to him. Jim’s favorite activities were having family game nights, and as a brownie connoisseur, would bake the best brownies each time. ‘Thursdays with Gracie’ was something he looked forward to every week. He was dedicated to watching his favorite television shows with friends and family throughout his illness. Above all things, he was a devoted grandfather (Papa) to Jameson and Vaeda, playing ball on the trampoline, splashing in the swimming pool, and playing hide and seek with squirt guns. Jim was strong, kind-hearted, and kept his witty sense of humor up to the very end.
Surviving are his children; Kolleen Cassidy (Bradley Smith), Katrina O’Connor (Mark), and Karah Cassidy, loving mother of his children Kimberly Cassidy, longtime companion Marjorie Ribbeck, her son Jared Cecere (Kiana Perry) and their children, two grandchildren, and a niece and nephew.
Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street in Batavia (Please use School Street entrance). Jim's Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 8656 Church Street in East Pembroke. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Batavia will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads House, 11 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 403 Batavia, NY 14021. www.crossroadshouse.com/donate.
In memory of Jim, the family asks that you remember his laugh, put on some good tunes, and kick back and watch the football game.
Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
