IN MEMORIAM: Jim Huntington, 63;

Longtime Soccer Coach, Much More

WESTFORD – Jim Huntington, longtime soccer coach at Schenevus Central School, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Tuesday, March 22, 2016.

Born May 6, 1952, Jim worked as a teacher, postal worker and business owner but is perhaps best known as a coach whose career spanned four decades. He was also a proud member of the American Legion, VFW, Masons and St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Westford.

While it may be convenient to define his life by citing his careers and memberships it fails to account for who Jim was.

He loved animals, especially dogs. On his postal route he knew not just who lived in every home but their pet’s names as well, and they knew he always carried treats.

His coaching wasn’t confined to the field of play. It extended to countless hours of fund-raising, instructional clinics, whatever was necessary.  Friends in need? Not only would he appear with his pickup truck, he would have the ramps, ropes, tie downs and tarps necessary to accomplish any task.

His commitment to coaching was just an extension of the love he had for his family. Jim was the kind of son who dedicated years to the care of his mother; he was a phenomenal brother, uncle and cousin who possessed the innate ability to make friends feel like family too.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Rogers Huntington and his brother Thomas Edward Huntington.

He is survived by his mother, Helen Huntington; his sister, Linda Morley (Alan), his sister, Roxanne Murray (Kevin); nieces and nephews, Craig, Rebecca, Denise, Lucas and Liam, their extended families and his beloved dog Duncan.

A Masonic Service will be held 2 p.m. with calling hour 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester, NY

The Funeral service will be Noon, Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Christ Church, 69 Fair St., Cooperstown. A private interment with military honor will take place at the Westford Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schenevus Foundation for Excellence in Education, Coach Jim Huntington, II Memorial;  mailed to: Schenevus Central School, Attn: SFEE, 159 Main St., Schenevus, NY 12155

Online condolences may be sent to, www.hellerskinnerfh.com