James E. Preston

There will be no public calling hours. Mr. Preston died unexpectedly at his home on Friday (July 10, 2015). Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Surviving are two sons Michael & Charity Preston of Hammond and Billy Preston & his companion Kelly Francis of Lisbon; a daughter Amy Preston & her companion Douglas Eggleson Jr. of Hammond; four grandchildren Kaleb & Dawson Christman, Michael Preston Jr. & Taylor Preston; two step-grandchildren Dayton Pike and Madyson Simmons; a brother Henry Preston of Hammond along with many nieces, nephews & cousins.

His wife Judy A. Preston; brothers Thomas, Frank and Dale Preston; three sisters Margaret Henderson, Mary Elizabeth and Joyce Clark predeceased him.

James was born on December 13, 1941 in Hammond NY, a son of the late Alfred W. & Phyllis (Goodwin) Preston. He attended Hammond School for his education, and joined the US Army from 1964-1969 when he was 23 years old. He was a Missile Crewman and Night Guardsman for 2 years while fighting in the Korean War.

He married Judy A. Pierce on October 26, 1968 at the Depeyster Methodist Church, she later predeceased him in 2008.

James worked at Spencer E. Merry's on Route 37 as a horse & cattle herdsman for a period, and later moved on to work at Melvin McLear's for a few additional years. His passion was repairing tractors, and he was able to do that work for Heuvelton Equipment Company. He also worked as a ground worker for the Allen Kelly farm in Heuvelton and on Jim Pitcher’s farm in Hammond, while continuing his passion for tractor repairs in his spare time.

He enjoyed riding the 4-wheeler with his grandchildren and spending time with his family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Congregational Church of Morristown, Sand Street, Brier Hills, NY 13614. Condolences can also be share online at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.