Obituary of James E. Babcock

James E. Babcock, 91, of Sherman, NY and Hawthorne, FL, passed away Tuesday November 7, 2017 in St. Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA surrounded by his family. He was born May 8, 1926 in Clymer the son of the late Frank J. and Mabel Tenpas Babcock. James was a US Army veteran serving during WWII. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. In earlier years, he worked as a mechanic at Wiggers and Sons Garage. On March 25, 1955, he and his wife Rosanne founded James Babcock Lumber which was renamed Bissell-Babcock Millwork Inc., working for many years until his retirement. His hobby was work, and everything he touched was made better. James also enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling with his family, antique cars, and tinkering with gasoline engines. He was a member of the Antique Car Club and a life member of the American Legion. James also loved basketball and played for many years. Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Rosanne Bissell Babcock whom he married November 1, 1952; a son, James F. (Paula) Babcock of Sherman, NY; a daughter, Bonnie (the late George) Haas of Melrose, FL; five grandchildren, Jill (Josh) Gratto, Jamie (Jason) Swan, and Janelle (Kyle) Kranz all of Sherman, NY; John (Allison) Nickerson of Angier, NC; Karen (Ryan) Doles of Sumterville, FL; 17 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alberta Babcock; and two brothers, Myrl and Russell Babcock. The funeral service will be held at Noon Saturday November 11, 2017 in the North Clymer United Methodist Church. Burial with full Military Honors will be in the Clymer Center Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stanley Hose Co. #1, 122 Park Street, Sherman, NY 14781; or the North Clymer United Methodist Church, 7795 Route 474, Panama, NY 14767.