Obituary of James R. Dennis

CANISTEO: James R. "Jim" Dennis, Sr., 92, of Ste. Rte. 36 passed away peacefully Saturday (Nov. 8, 2014) at Hornell Gardens after a short illness. Jim was born April 26, 1922, in Canisteo to Floyd and Emma (Clock) Dennis. On January 14, 1945, at the Spencer Methodist Church in Hornell he married the former Arlene H. Thorp who predeceased him in May of 2004. He was also predeceased by a daughter Nancy Gesner in March of 2002 and a brother Leland Dennis. Jim was a life long resident of Canisteo and was a graduate of the former Canisteo Academy. He was a member of the Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, a life member and past treasurer of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Union, a member of the Steuben County Farm Bureau and Dairyman's League, and he also served on the Canisteo Village Planning Board. Jim was an accomplished carpenter who also built many cabinets and boats and did very fine finish work. Survivors include a daughter: Carol (Larry) Hammond of Haskinsville, one son James R. Dennis, Jr. of Canisteo, 8 grand children: Daniel Hammond (Marybeth), Cherry Lenhardt (Joseph), Brenda Woodard (Larry), Jeffrey Gesner, Kimberly Cheek (Larry), James R. Dennis, III, Derek Dennis and Danielle Dennis, 5 Great grandchildren: Ian and Nicholas Lenhardt, Nathan and Riley Woodard and Vanessa Cheek. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo. A funeral service will take place Wednesday at 11:00 am at the Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, Cty. Rte. 69 in Canisteo. Burial will be in the Fremont Cemetery in Stephens Mills. Memorial contributions in James R. Dennis, Sr.'s name may be made to the Buena Vista Wesleyan Church, 6034 Cty. Rte. 69, Canisteo, N.Y. 14823. Service: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014 11:00 AM Buena Vista Wesleyan Church Cty. Rte. 69 Canisteo, NY Visitation: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 2-4 and 6-8 PM H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. 29 East Main St. Canisteo, NY