James Edward Hawes

James Edward Hawes

  ALFRED STATION – James Edward Hawes, 87, affectionately known as either “Jim” or “Ed”, entered into rest unexpectedly on Thursday (Nov. 2, 2023) at his home on County Route 68 (Town of Hartsville).

Born in Watkins Glen, NY on June 9, 1936, he was the son of the late Harold and Mildred (Whitford) Hawes. On Nov. 16, 1957 he married his beloved Mary (Gardner) Hawes, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, Watkins Glen NY, who predeceased him on Feb. 6, 2019, after 61 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Wells and Marjorie Hawes; and a son-in-law, Mark Lehman.

A graduate of Watkins Glen High School, Jim proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1954 to his honorable discharge in 1958 as a Lead Petty Officer in an electrical repair division. Following his military duty, he studied pre-engineering at Walker College in Alabama.

Jim began his employment with New York State in 1961 and in 1964 he began his career with the State University of New York at Alfred. He assisted in the management of the Maintenance and Operations Department for the 1000 acre main campus and 20 acres at the Wellsville, NY campus and served as the campus energy conservation officer; he retired as the Assistant Dean of Engineering. After his official retirement, he continued to serve as a consulting engineer on numerous projects.

A resident of the Town of Hartsville since 1967, he served as a member of the town board, the Justice of the Peace and chairman of the Assessment Review Committee.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where he was a member of the Resurrection Choir, the “cleaning crew” and often assisted in repairs and making various items. Jim was also a member of the Amvets Post No. 245 and the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell where he also served on the board of directors.

Jim was a very meticulous craftsman and could build or repair just about anything. He especially enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and maintaining his home and equipment.

He is lovingly survived by two children, Harry (Diane) Hawes of Honeoye, NY and Kathy (Jon) Gallant of Alfred Station, NY; four grandchildren, Aaron (Megan) Lehman, Matthew (Gretchen) Lehman, Nick (Vanessa) Hawes and Becky Hawes; four great-grandchildren; Josephine Mary Joyce Lehman, Cade Matthew Lehman, Cameron DeCamilla and Lennox Deane Hawes; his beloved dog, Archie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are 4-6 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 8, 2023) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 9, 2023). Interment, with military honors, will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday at Seneca Union Cemetery, Valois, NY.

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 St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Jim’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Jim are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.