Passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023 after a long brave struggle at age 97. Jim and his twin brother, Bob, were born on October 15, 1925 to their parents, Anna and William Cassidy. He was predeceased by his parents; son, William “Billy John” in 2021; brothers, Bob, Don and “Bucky”; sisters, Doris Magin, Ruth Lingl, Arlene Haszlauer, Bonnie Leathersich, Inez Williams and Donna Mae. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Alice; sons, James Jr. (Claudia), Richard, Daniel and Thomas; daughter, Darlene (Anthony) LoDolce; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He will be sorely missed by his Domino player partners, wife, Alice, Frank Haszlauer and Betty and Mike Stoll.
Jim was raised in the town of Gates and was a resident of Chili for the last 60 years. His mother taught him how to play the harmonica and he became a gifted player. He never missed the opportunity to perform at family and public settings. If he saw someone struggling mentally or physically, he would pull his harmonica out of his pocket, play for them and lift their spirits. He was also well known as a square dance caller with his band, “The Blue Notes”. Jim was a decorated WWII Army veteran, serving as a rifleman with the Third Army under General George Patton. He was seriously injured during the “Battle of the Bulge” and spent 10 months recovering in Army hospitals. He was decorated with 2 purple hearts and other accommodations, including the Bronze Star. He was a proud retired Deputy of the Monroe Co. Sheriff’s Office, serving in the jail division and a retired member of the Chili Fire Dept. Co. #3 and the Gates-Chili Fire Dept. Jim was also a member of the VFW Post #412 and the American Legion Post #1501.
Family and friends may call at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home Monday 4-7pm. Funeral Mass Tuesday 1pm at St. Pius Tenth Church, 3000 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the DAV (Disabled Veterans), VA Regional Office 130 S. Elmwood Ave, Ste 620, Buffalo, NY 14202.
