| Date of Birth | September 13, 1941 |
| Date Deceased | January 10, 2021 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
James E. Oyer, Sr.
HORNELL-Legendary Hornell tennis player, James E. Oyer, Sr., 79, passed away late Sunday evening (Jan. 10, 2021) at St. James Hospital in Hornell from complications of COVID-19.
Born in Hornell on Sept. 13, 1941 he was a son of the late Ellsworth and Rheda (Sell) Oyer. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by one brother, Raymond Oyer; and one sister-in-law, Irene Oyer.
A graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1960, Jim was a long time resident of Mays Avenue in Hornell before moving to Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was employed by the Erie Railroad, the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad and retired as a conductor from Conrail.
An avid tennis player, he was instrumental in beginning and organizing the Hornell Open Tennis Tournament for 20 years which attracted hundreds of people to Hornell annually and he dedicated his time for many years as a tennis instructor at the Hornell YMCA. Jim also enjoyed playing golf, hunting, snowmobiling, working on classic Cadillacs and in 2015 he published his autobiography. He was a former member and Past Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge.
His surviving family includes his devoted wife of 57 years, Charlotte (Dean) Oyer, who he married on Aug. 17, 1963 at Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville; two sons, Jeff (Charlene) Oyer and Jamie Oyer all of Hornell; four grandchildren, Zach (Katie) Oyer, Tyler Oyer, Davin Oyer and Daelynn Oyer; two brothers, Rev. Robert (Irena) Oyer of Holley, N.Y. and Richard Oyer of Hornell; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life and a graveside service at Rural Cemetery in Hornell will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Little League, 3 Brown St., Hornell, N.Y. 14843 or www.hornelllittleleague.com.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Jim’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Jim are welcomed on the Facebook page of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.
Jim was a good and kind man, who loved his community and his family. May he rest in peace.
Jamie, so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was so loving and giving. I will always remember him trying to give me his Cadillac when he knew I liked them and him giving Douglas the Railroad/Coca Cola placemats when he found out he like trains. Sending you Love.