James M. Christy, 89, died peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2015 at his home in Jamesville, NY.
He was born in 1926 in Old Forge, NY, to the late William P. and Catherine Sullivan Christy. At the age of ten, he moved to the Syracuse area where he later graduated from St. Anthony’s High School. He left for military service immediately following his final exams and was a US Navy WWII veteran.
He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from LeMoyne College in 1952, and worked with the family accounting firm of Christy and Christy. In 1964, he decided to change his career path and received his Master’s Degree in Education from Syracuse University.
After 27 years as an Elementary School teacher, a job that he loved, he retired in 1991 from the Westhill School District.
One of ten children, he was predeceased by his siblings, Frances Horgan, Thelma Delgado, Lucille Christy, Theresa Smith, Frederick Christy, Roland Christy, Rev. Lawrence Christy and William “Phil” Christy who died earlier this month.
He loved the Lord and his Catholic faith, and was a communicant of St. James Church.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, the former Joan Giemza, whom he married in St. Mary’s Church in Jamesville; daughters, Catherine (James) Wolf, Mary (Clifford) Farrell, Regina (Robert) Chamberlin; sons, Joseph and John Christy; brother, Walter R. Christy; grandchildren, Rebecca Wolf, Sarah Wolf (Paul) Brennan, Andrew and Benjamin Farrell, Wyatt Christy, Leah, John and Daniel Chamberlin and his “best dog, God love him” Mickey. He also leaves behind many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime best friend Joe Pittarelli.
Services will be on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, Inc., LaFayette, NY, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. James Church, 4845 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY.
Burial will be on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 11 a.m. in Riverview Cemetery in Old Forge, NY. Calling hours will be Thursday, August 27, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, 2584 Field Lane.
Contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088-3148 or to EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL 35210.
