Obituary of James E. Cayey

COLTON—Funeral services for James E. Cayey, 78, a resident of 274 Wildwood Road, Colton, will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the Colton Community Church with Stephen B. Smith, Pastor, presiding. Burial will be held in the Stark Cemetery, South Colton. Family and friends may call at the Buck Funeral Home in Colton on Friday, November 3, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. Mr. Cayey passed away Friday evening, October 27, 2023 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital. James is survived by his wife, Virginia, Colton; his three daughters, Kelly and Peter DeShane, Hannawa Falls; Amy Cayey and Dennis Shea (pre-deceased), South Colton and Emily Dunn and Tim Stone, Pierrepont; his four beloved grandchildren, Cody J. Willmart, Samantha Klemens, Morgan Dunn, Rhiannon Dunn and five great-grandchildren. James is also survived by his brother, George and Penny Cayey, Colton; June Cayey, Tennessee and Linda Cayey, Florida and several nieces and nephews. James was born in Totternhoe, England on April 9, 1945. He is pre-deceased by father Raymond G. Cayey, mother Molly A. Johnson, and step-father A. Keith Johnson. James graduated from Colton-Pierrepont Central School and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve in Iceland during the Vietnam era. James married Virginia Rose on May 20, 2020. He worked for the Town of Colton for nearly 30 years as the Superintendent of Public Works. James was devoted to Colton and the Fire Department. He served in many capacities over the years, some of which include being a past Colton Fire Chief, past Colton Fire Commissioner, past Secretary and President of the NNYVFA, he volunteered for the Red Cross, served on the Board of Directors for FASNY and the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, he also served as an Investigator for the Fire Department Cause and Origin Team. In 2019, James was recognized by the Town of Colton as being the Citizen of the Year for his hard work and countless hours serving the community. James also enjoyed stamp collecting, collecting Fireman's memorabilia and working with the American Bell Association. Memorial Donations in James memory can be made to the Colton Fire Department or Rescue Squad or to the Red Cross and memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Colton is serving the family of James E. Cayey.