CROTON – James Lester Piper, 86, of Croton, Ohio passed into heaven on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. Born in Johnstown in 1936, he is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Mabel Piper of Johnstown, sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn (H. Ray) McCann of Mount Vernon, and great-granddaughter, Sloane Siegesmund.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Linda (Debolt) Piper of Croton, his wife of 63 years. He was a devoted father to Lisa Piper and Lori (Richard) Hebert of Croton, and David (Dee) Piper of Jensen Beach, FL. He was adored by his grandchildren Doug (Allie) Siegesmund, Greg (Lauren) Siegesmund, Ali (Knoell) Palmer, Matthew (Erin Knueve) Hebert, Bradley (Sarah) Piper, and Jared Piper, and great grandchildren, Lofton and Finley Siegesmund and Katherine Piper. He will also be missed by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Jack and Sonja Debolt and Jerry and Sally Houck, his nieces and nephews, and many good friends.
Jim grew up on the farm next to Miller Church in Johnstown. After marrying Linda in 1959, he served two years in the Army, then went to work at Columbia Gas and was trained in computer systems. He continued his employment as a computer programmer and systems analyst at Cooper Bessemer in Mount Vernon and retired after 35 years. He also spent a few years in Pennsylvania working in the same capacity at Piper Aircraft.
Jim was a great self-taught DIY’er before the days of acronyms and YouTube. He accomplished many home improvement projects and remodels, built a barn, repaired cars and helped his children learn a love for carpentry and building that was passed down from his father.
He also passed on his love of music, singing in the church choir for many years. He was a saddle club 4-H advisor in the 70’s, always supporting the projects and interests of his children.
While raising his family, Jim was a member of the First Christian Church in Mount Vernon where he served as an elder and youth group leader. After retirement, he settled in Croton where he and Linda have lived for the past 36 years. As a member of the Church of Christ in Croton, he was active in leadership roles as an Elder and church treasurer. He served as Mayor of Hartford Village, Croton for 18 years, overseeing many improvement projects and performing many weddings.
In his retirement, he spent winters in Florida and loved puzzles, yardwork, Hallmark movies, traveling, and most of all, working on projects and spending time with his family there.
The family sends thanks to his extended family and friends for all the love they have shared with him over the years and wishes you all even just a small portion of the blessings he has shared with us.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 8, from 5-8 p.m. at the Croton Church of Christ, 40 S. Main St. and 10-11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at Hartford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Croton Church of Christ.
Arrangements handled by Law-Baker Funeral Home, Utica. To sign an online guestbook please visit www.law-bakerfuneralhome.com.
