| Date of Birth | December 17, 1947 |
| Passed Away | January 5, 2026 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | January 13, 2026 |
| Service Time | 11 a.m. |
| Service Location | Webbs Crossing Bible Church |
| Interment Location | Bath National Cemetery |
James Everett Dexter
HORNELL – James Everett Dexter, 78, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning (Jan. 5, 2026) at his home.
Born in Hornell on Dec. 17, 1947 he was the son of the late Martin and Helen (Haskell) Dexter.
A resident of Hornell for most of his life, Jim was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1965. He attended Alfred University and in 1968 he received a degree in auto mechanics from the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College. On July 10, 1968 he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served two tours in Vietnam with Unit No. 62 of the Seabees. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1970 and was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (2 stars), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Jim was employed for 32 years as a parts manager at Lamacchia’s and later for several years at the former Elsenheimer’s in Hornell. He was well known in this area for his expertise as a parts manager. Before retiring he was employed at Alstom.
He was a long-time active member of the Park United Methodist Church, and the Hornell United Methodist Church, now known as the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, where he served as a financial secretary, usher, as a Youth Group Leader and served quietly in several other capacities. Jim enjoyed attending musical concerts and always supported local arts and music. He was a very talented mechanic and especially loved spending time working on cars and motorcycles. Jim was curious and creative and would often spend time researching different subject on his computer.
He was very devoted to his family and will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband and father.
Jim is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Milene (Boag) Dexter who he married at the former Park Methodist Church in Hornell on Dec. 27, 1969; two children, Marty (Nicky) Dexter of Conway, SC and Heather Dexter of Tyngsboro, MA; two sisters, Adele Hyla-Brewster (James Brewster) of Swansboro, NC and Kathy (Bruce) Griesmer of Vero Beach, FL; a bonus daughter, Jenny Yacuzzo, and several nieces and nephews including, Bret (Marci) Hyla, Craig (Heidi) Hyla, David (Peggy) Brewster and Kate Brewster. He is also survived by many friends of his children who affectionately called him “Dad.”
Calling hours are 3-5 p.m. MONDAY (Jan. 12, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, 7528 North Main St., Ext. where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. TUESDAY (Jan. 13, 2026). Committal services and interment, with military honors, will follow at 1 p.m. at Bath National Cemetery.
The United States flag and the Navy flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Jim’s military service.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, 7528 North Main St., Ext., Hornell or the Hornell High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Jim’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolence or remembrance of Jim are welcome below or the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
You will be dearly missed Jim. How blessed we were having you part of our lives for a long time. So many wonderful memories. Prayers for Milene, Marty, Nicky and Heather as well as your friends & other family members. I will especially miss your smile & hug on Sunday mornings. Love and prayers.
Kim and family
I will miss your hugs at church. You were such a dedicated man to our church and your family. Sending many heartfelt prayers to Milene and your family. May you always be watching over us!!
Holly Ellis
Saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Many good memories of MYF and other activities at PUMC. My thoughts and prayers are with Mileen and the family.
Milene, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our years working together have been fondly remembered. Sending my love and prayers to you and your family!
Rick
My love and prayers go out to Heather and her family. I know Mr. Dexter had to be a special person, because together with Mrs. Dexter, he raised a beautiful soul, Heather.
You will all be in my prayers 🙏
Milene and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know and understand how you are getting along during this difficult time. All your memories will give you comfort. I am so glad I got to see him when we all got together at Joan’s. Sending prayers and hugs .Love
Milene, sorry to hear of Jims’ passing. I’ve been following you on Facebook. I pray that you know he is resting in peace.
Julie Benjamin
Marty and family, we are so sorry to hear of your Father’s death. Please know that we cherish the time you spent in our lives and hope you are filled with wonderful memories of your Father.