GENEVA - James A. VanBlarcum, 88, passed away on Wednesday (Sept. 7, 2011), at Geneva General Hospital. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (September 11) at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC, 28 Genesee St. Geneva. The Hydrant hose Co. #1 will meet at the funeral home at 4 p.m. for a service conducted by Chaplain, Jack Wright and at 4:30 p.m. for a service conducted by Chaplain Art Gardner. Burial will be held at Glenwood Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday (September 12), with military honors. Contributions may be directed to the Hydrant Hose Co. #1, 79 Geneva St. Geneva, N.Y. 14456.
James was born on Nov. 18,1922 in Geneva and was a son of the late Bert and Agnes (Lynd) VanBlarcum. He was a very proud man who served his country in the United States Army, during WWII in the invasion of Normandy, and loved being a fireman, serving the community as a member of the Geneva Hydrant Hose Co. #1. James worked for the Geneva Milk Co. for many years and retired from D'Amico Chrysler Plymouth in Geneva. He was an avid sports fan of baseball and football. James' favorite times were spent watching his grandsons play little league, and then high school sports, up until he could no longer attend games. Although he was unable to make the games, he made sure he was kept up to date on how his great grandson Ricky was doing. James loved life and his family was his passion, especially his granddaughter, Tisha, who was a constant and devoted part of his life. His greatest joy was time spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. James was a lifetime member of the Hydrant Hose Co. #1, the American Legion Post 396 and the V.F.W. Post 2670. He will be sadly missed.
He is survived by his son, James W. VanBlarcum of Geneva; daughters, Katherine Ortiz, Susan (Andrew) Montagna and Carol (Angel Merced) VanBlarcum, all of Geneva; grandchildren, Daniel (Jaminett) Ortiz, Latisha Merced, both of Geneva and Anthony Merced of Newark; great grandchildren, Ricky and Giana Ortiz, Evan and Aiden Brinson-Merced and Anthony 'A.J.' Merced. James was predeceased by his wife, Mary (Ryan) VanBlarcum; brother, Harold VanBlarcum; son-in-law, Roberto Ortiz and daughter-in-law, Judith VanBlarcum.

Finger Lakes Times, September 9 to September 13, 2011