Obituary of James M. Casey

James M Casey, 75, of Binghamton, NY passed away on June 17th with his children by his side after a long and dignified battle with cancer. James was born to DeSales and Teresa Casey on May 20th 1948. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his close friends and cousins Jerry Welch and Paul Welch. James is survived by his brother John Casey and sister-in-law Nancy Casey of Yorba Linda CA, daughter Christine Casey and son-in-law Wes Davy of Windsor NY, son Jason Casey of Arlington, VA, grandson Malcolm Davy whom he adored, and partner Nancy Gehres of Candor, NY. James grew up on the Southside of Binghamton with his brother John and had a memorable childhood with his cousins Rita Andrew, Kathleen Carr, Kevin Casey, and Michael Casey, his Uncle Al and Aunt Ceil, and many neighborhood friends. Jim always loved to tell stories from his childhood and they never disappointed. James graduated from Catholic Central in 1966 and enjoyed playing basketball. He was an avid hunter and fisherman from a young age. He enjoyed rabbit, pheasant, and deer hunting with his brother and father along the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. James attended Broome Community College as well as the University of Tampa Florida. James explored several career paths after college, including a short stint working for the FBI, before joining the Binghamton Fire Department in 1980. Jim retired from the Binghamton Fire Department after 27 years of service. The friendships Jim made on the fire department became an extension of his immediate family and stayed with him throughout his entire life until the very end. Jim was a member of the Greek Peak Ski Patrol and enjoyed spending time on the slopes with family and friends. He also played an important role in founding the minor league baseball program at Booth Field in the early 1990's and helped many young athletes gain a love for the game. James enjoyed attending his children's and grandson's sporting events over the years and always wanted the best for them in life. James was also a skilled handyman and always had a project (or 3) in the works. He aided many family and friends with construction and remodel projects. Jim was always willing to lend a helping hand and loved nothing more than seeing a project through to completion. As long as there was a project in the works Jim possessed a sense of satisfaction which helped him push forward. Jim was an active member of a hunting camp in Candor, NY. His time at the camp transformed into close bonds with the members, and activities that extended beyond hunting. The good times, laughs, and friendships he established there had a lasting impact on his life. He was also a member of the American Legion in Candor, NY and a regular at the Relief Pitcher. Jim made many special friendships at both establishments over the years. The family appreciates all of the love and support these friendships have provided Jim over the years and especially the past few weeks. Jim had a passion for life, lived it on his own terms, and made the most of each day until the very end. We would like to thank Lourdes Hospice and Mercy House for aiding in James's final journey home. He will be greatly missed by many, but forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760. A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Avenue, Binghamton, Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.