IN MEMORIAM: James J. Stearns, 69;
Dairyman’s Interests Ranged Widely
RICHFIELD SPRINGS – James J. Stearns, 69, of Hugick Road, a retired dairy farmer whose interests ranged widely to include Percherons, raising unusual chicken, growing roses and day lilies, and playing the organ, passed away on Thursday morning March 21, 2019, at Bassett Hospital.
James was born on Sept. 18, 1949. in Troy, a son of the late James J. and Jean Doney Stearns. He was raised in Averill Park and graduated from Averill Park High School. After high school he attended SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech, obtaining degrees in Animal Husbandry and Agricultural Machinery Repair.
On June 10, 1972, he married the former Rose Weir in Troy. He and his wife Rose owned and operated the Oh Never Done Dairy Farm in Central Square for 28 years, retiring in 1992. They moved to Richfield Springs in 2010.
Besides dairy farming, James had many interests. He had raised chickens, mostly Bantams and Old English, as well as Percheron draft horses . Having a green thumb he grew roses, irises and had over 1,600 day lilies.
He loved playing the organ and had done so for many churches. He also had an interest in trains, especially steam locomotives.
Surviving him are his wife Rose of 46 years, his sister Melanie Henderson and her husband Stewart of Excelsior, Minn., his three nieces Allison, Christina and Robyn all of Minnesota.
A funeral service for James will be private and held at the convenience of his family.
Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs
I’ve known James (Tiny) since college. A very close friend who I enjoyed many long phone calls with. He had a heart of gold when it came to his passions including playing piano.
I will miss him dearly. Thank you Tiny for being a part of our lives.
God sure had gifted my brother James with many gifts and passions. Evan as a young boy her loved to lend a hand at nearby dairy farms. He and his wife Rosie actually met in their teens at a dairy farm. He was gifted with amazing musical talent. He loved Bach classical music and could play it without music. From an early age an elderly man allowed him to try his piano and what discovery that was. Mom found him a $40.00 piano! He played for hours. He had a knowledge of pipe organs and the mechanics of all the amazing sounds one could produce. He was able to rebuild one in Waterveliet, NY. Growing many varieties of Day Lillies and Roses became another passion for both he and Rosie
loved flowers. I had the privilege of seeing their Lily garden and other beautiful flowers in their yard. And he married Rosie who had the same love of flowers. They both enjoyed their Bantam chickens as will. I know Rosie will continue enjoying raising chickens. Jim struggled for sometime this last year. He told me how he was playing piano for the folks in rehab and the nursing home. I know that brought a lot of Joy to the folks there.
Rosie was a wonderful, patient wife. He could be a little stubborn. Rosie thank you for all the loving care you gave him. He was so very Blessed to have you as his wife of 46 yrs. May Jim be enjoying eternal with our Lord Jesus Christ.