Obituary of James Russell Rockwell

ROCKWELL , JAMES RUSSELL SR. (ROCKY) of Horseheads , NY passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday February 25 , 2014 in the loving presence of his wife Mary and his daughter Kim. Jim was born in Elmira , NY on June 4 , 1938 the son of Russell Henry Rockwell and Mary Louise Sullivan Rockwell . Jim was pre-deceased by his parents , his daughter Debi Fortney , his grandson Tommy Austin , his sisters Geraldine Meise and Virginia Decker as well as his brother Thomas Rockwell and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Albert and Olee Barkley. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Mary Ellen (Barkley) Rockwell , daughter Kim R. Rockwell (Danny Austin) , sons James R. & Robin Rockwell Jr and Jeffrey S. Rockwell all of Horseheads , NY and daughter Patty Rockwell of Elmira Heights, NY ; grandchildren : Joseph Rockwell of Rochester , NY , Katie Rockwell and Corey Austin of Horseheads , NY , Sabrina & Justin Hall of Virginia ; great grandsons Zachary , Christian , and Joshua ; brother and sister-in-law : Wesley & Marilyn Rockwell of Millport , NY ; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law : Patty & Mike Race of Penn Yan , NY , Winnie & Richard Radka of Dundee , NY ; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Albert & Susan Barkley of Cheshire , CT , James & Linda Barkley of Dundee , NY , Judy Thompson , Connie Palmisano and Susie Brusen of Penn Yan , NY along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was employed by Corning Glass Works where he received his Electrician's Apprenticeship and he joined the IBEW Local 139 of Elmira where he retired from in 1998. Jim enjoyed shooting skeet and was a member of the former Beaver Brook Rod and Gun Club . He was a race car driver and enjoyed NASCAR and racing snowmobiles and looked forward to hunting with his kids and friends and rides through the countryside. Jim had many childhood friends with whom he enjoyed many good times throughout his life . He and Mary camped on weekends for 21 years at Montour Marina and met many great friends there and the last six years they spent 3 months of fun in the sun in North Fort Myers , Florida . Jim will be remembered for his work ethic and ability and all the things he taughts his children to accomplish and for the love he had for his family. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS , NY on Saturday March 1 , 2014 from 9-11 AM and 1-3 PM. Mr. Rockwell's Funeral Services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3 PM with Rev. Fred Dyer officiating . Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads , NY . Those wishing may remember Jim through memorials to Care First 1175 East Corning Road Corning , NY 14830.