James E. Scanlon

James Earl Scanlon died January 30, 2019. He was the son of Florence and Earle Scanlon, late of Rochester NY. He was born in 1930, Buffalo, NY. Raised in and around Rochester. Education: St Andrews Minor Seminary, Rochester, Canisius College, Buffalo, and Laval University, Quebec. Married Margaret Anne Smith (d 2014) 1956; began family in Quebec; settled in Jordan, NY in 1964. Jim began his teaching career at St Laurence College, Quebec, teaching English. On his return to New York, he taught French and Spanish, primarily, at Jordan-Elbridge High School.

     Jim grew up a product of Catholic culture and education. His interests centered on that culture, a love of language, and hobbies related to trains, trolleys, and travel. On his retirement from teaching in 1988, he with Margaret settled into domestic ease accented by periodic travels. Jim was locally engaged in various capacities at Saint Patrick’s Parish, the Jordan Planning Commission, the Jordan Public Library, and language tutoring, and will be remembered by many for providing narrated slide shows. His extensive photography collection of domestic activities and travels further afield is a keen example of his once exceptional ability to plan and organize. His devoted care of Margaret in her final years was a verification of their love.

     Jim lost his ability to organize information with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Increasingly, his world shrank to familiar surroundings. However, surrounded by examples of his past, Jim was not well aware of his decline; such was the curious nature of the disease for him.

     A memorial mass and gathering will be Noon, March 2, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Church, Jordan.

     Jim and Margaret leave behind three children and their families: Dan (Isa) of San Antonio, TX, Céline Corbett (George) of Milton, MA), and Stephen (Donna) of Marietta, PA. Inquiries may be made to Stephen at slscanlon@gmail.com.

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