James E Neiss

James Edward Neiss, 92 of Hillcrest, NY passed away on November 28, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by his devoted wife, Betty (Blake) Neiss of 67 years and his loving family. Jim was born in Trumansburg, NY.

Jim was a veteran of the US Air Force (1951-1955) stationed in Japan during the Korean War. After his discharge, he started his 35-year career with NY Telephone (now Verizon) retiring at age 57 in 1982.

Jim’s earlier years found him active in the Hillcrest Community Association and the Hillcrest Fire Company. He was the first member to become an EMT. He received the “Man of the Year” award in both organizations for his dedication to volunteer work. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Model A Ford Club, Legion Post 1194 and Binghamton Umpire Association. He was an avid baseball player, coached girls softball and boys CYO basketball for many years. In later years, Jim and Betty enjoyed traveling to casinos across the US, and were fortunate enough to visit 48 states. They went on many cruises, and spent winters in Daytona Beach for 40 years. Jim also enjoyed playing golf, swimming and Ford mustangs.

Jim was a gentle, kind, and patient man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His “girls” were his pride and joy and in return he was our greatest gift. He supported his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their activities and sporting events, never missing a chance to cheer them on. He spent many hours over the years helping with renovations at his daughters’ homes. He was a handyman to everyone and could fix anything.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his wife Betty and four daughters and sons-in-law: Karen and Wes MacKenzie, Terry and Don Gray, Judy and Chuck Rhoades, Kathleen and Rick Aiken; loving grandchildren: Emily (Brian) McNeill, Jonathan MacKenzie, Carrie (Dan) Maraglino, William (Rachel) MacKenzie, Molly Silvanic, Eric Silvanic, Holden (Lauren) Gray, Kylie (Brendan) Harder, Christoper (Lily) Rhoades, Megan Brown, Patrick Brown, Kelly Brown and cherished great grandchildren, Kaiden Tonkin, Brayden and Blake Harder, Zoey Brown, Ellie, Samantha and Benjamin Maraglino; brothers: David and Sandy Neiss, Alan and Lydia Neiss, of Trumansburg, NY, sister Kathy Ginnever of Florida, sister-in-law Judi and Lymie Barrett of Port Crane, NY, and many nieces, nephews and special friends. We sure will miss you on Christmas Eve, gramps!

The family wishes to thank Michelle and Susan, Jim’s special caregivers, for their dedication during the past few months. It takes a village!

A private family memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family, followed by burial in the Chenango Valley Cemetery. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for our beloved Dad.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in memory of Jim can be made to:

• The American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.

• UHS Binghamton General Hospital Auxiliary, 10-42 Mitchell Ave, Binghamton, NY 13903

You lived a good life Dad, a wonderful journey.

Now you can rest.

We are proud you are ours,

Simply the BEST.