Obituary of James W. Eck

James W. Eck, 79, of Gifford Avenue, Celoron, died Sunday April 25, 2021, in his home. He was born August 9, 1941, in Eldred, PA, a son of the late Walter "Jack" and Margaret Copenhaver Eck. Following graduation from high school, he served in the US Navy from 1959-62. Prior to his retirement in 1991, he was employed by Eastman Kodak, Rochester, as a senior engineering technician. After moving to the Jamestown area in 1995, he owned and operated Pappy's Nice Cream Shop, Celoron. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge, War Vets Recreation, AMVETs, Herman Kent Post 777 American Legion, Moose Lodge and a life member of the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association. Surviving are three children Marli Jo (Richard) Kimball of Victor, NY, Steven (Tammy) Eck of Hampstead, NC and Carolyn (Roger) Klaiber of Kane, PA; seven grandchildren Dalton and Connor Kimball, Natasha, Regan and Alexis Eck and Elyse and Nicholas DeLauro; his companion of 17 years Margaret Hart; two sisters Marion Boedecker of West Ellicott and Loretta Knapp of Clarendon, PA; two brothers Daniel and Keith Eck both of Florida and an extended family including four step children and ten step grandchildren. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Fitch Eck in 1991; two brothers John and Richard Eck and three sisters Julia Staff, Wanda Beck and Darlene Eck. A walk-through visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday in the Lind Funeral Home. Face coverings are required, and social distancing must be observed. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.