James E. Cornell

James Elwyn Cornell, 72, of Marathon, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 3, 2017, at his home.

Born in Johnson City, NY, on September 23, 1944, Jim was the son of the late Elwyn F. and Barbara Brown Cornell.  A lifelong resident of Marathon, he was 1963 graduate of Marathon Central School.  Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Town of Lapeer, Cortland County, the Village of Marathon, and the Town of Marathon.  For 31 years, he drove school bus for Marathon Central School, retiring in 1999.  After his retirement, he continued to drive bus for Dryden and Cincinnatus Central Schools and Cortland Transit.  He was a 25-plus year member of the Marathon Auxiliary Police where he served as Captain for 15 years.  He was a former Past Commander, secretary and treasurer for the Marathon Sons of the American Legion Post 617, and a current member of the Whitney Point Sons of the American Legion Post 974.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Brenda Turner Cornell; his children, James R. Cornell of Cortland, Danielle Fish of Cortland, and Denise (Kevin) King of ME; his stepchildren, Paul (Heather) Fecteau of Cortland, Tim (Allison) Fecteau of Springvale, ME, and Patty (Chuck) Lambert of Marathon.  He also leaves behind his brothers, Larry Cornell, Gary (Cathy) Cornell, and Keith (Cheryl) Cornell, all of Marathon; sisters, Cheryl Niver of Cortland, Karen (Richard) Funk, Kathy (Wayne) Fox, Deb (Dwayne) Contri, and Janet Elston, all of Marathon; an aunt, Gwen (Bob) Stevens of Marathon; nine grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY, on Friday, April 7, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Tom Boice officiating.  Burial will be in Willet Cemetery.  The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am. until the start of the service at 1:00 p.m.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jim may be directed to a charity of one’s choice.