James E. Greeley

James E. Greeley passed peacefully Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford at the age of 98 years, six months and 29 days. He was born April 10, 1927 in Cohoes NY to James S. Greeley and Rose (Clairmont) Greeley. After moving to Oneonta at a young age, he was educated at St. Mary’s School and Oneonta High School, graduating in 1944. Jim married Maureen S. Howey on August 7, 1949. They enjoyed seventy wonderful years of marriage until her passing on December 2, 2019.

Jim enlisted in the United States Navy soon after graduation and served as a Motor Machinist’s Mate until August 9, 1946 when he was honorably discharged. He was stationed in Hawaii as World War II ended and some time thereafter. Jim was employed by the Delaware and Hudson Railroad both before and after his military service for a total of more than forty years. During his off hours from the railroad, Jim worked as parts manager for Holbrook and Howey Electric Company.

Jim was quite sports oriented. He loved the Boston Red Sox, hunting with his buddies Jack Norton and Charlie Gallagher, watching college basketball, and golfing with friends at Woodhaven Golf Course, where he recorded four holes in one in his storied career. When his work schedule allowed, he really enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and scholastic activities. He claimed that one of the secrets to his longevity was the fact that he drank one or two beers a day for most of his adult life.

Jim is survived by his children, Karen Voltz, Michael Greeley (Nanette) and Jacqueline Blakelock (Robert Pondolfino); his grandchildren, Shawn Aitchison, Elizabeth Voltz (Nick Jallat), Monica Sizemore, Timothy Greeley (Alexandra) and Lauren Healy (Cody); his great-grandchildren, Autumn Aitchison, Liam Aitchison, Elle Aitchison, Remy Jallat, Aedan Jumper, Prudence Sizemore, Teagan Greeley, Madison Greeley, Conor O’Malley, Jack O’Malley, Callen Healy and Reese Healy; and a great-great grandchild due to arrive in December. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Maureen and his grandson, Clancy Aitchison.

The family would like to acknowledge the outstanding, compassionate care given to Jim in his time at the NYS Veterans Home over the last nine months.

Due to the construction underway at Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, friends are invited to greet the family at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta, New York, 13820, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St Mary's Church, 39 Walnut St, Oneonta, New York, 13820, on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am.

Burial with military honor will follow in Oneonta Plains Cemetery, Oneonta, New York.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the New York State Veterans Home at Oxford, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830-4305.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

Please visit www.grummonsfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.