Obituary for James E. Layland Sr.
January 23, 2023 at age 84. Predeceased by his wife Grace Hubbard. He is survived by his wife Diane Buckley. Children James, Douglas (Kelly) Layland, Amy (Joel) Fitzsimmons. Grandchildren Anna and Owen Fitzsimmons, Jack, Maxwell,Molly, and Tessa Layland. Sister Diane Brewster. Step Children Linda Harris, Karen (Kevin) Rowland, Susan (Dave) Wickum. Many nieces and nephews.
James Edward Layland II was born on August 18, 1938, to Lucy and Carl Layland. He grew up in Greigsville, New York and attended York Central School, from where he graduated in 1956, at the age of 16. Jim grew up in a wonderful home with his parents and sisters, Barb, and Diane. After High School, he briefly attended Alfred Tech, then Geneseo State, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Jim graduated with his Teaching Degree in 1960 and began a 33-year career that started at Middlesex Valley and ended at Churchville-Chili Central School in 1993. Jim married Grace Hubbard on June 9, 1962. They remained life-long companions until Grace’s passing on October 16, 2013. During their 51 years together, they had three children, James Jr, Douglas, and Amy Jo. They settled in Caledonia where they made many wonderful friends over the years and enjoyed golfing at the Caledonia Country Club, playing Euchre at the Iroquois Hotel and taking countless road trips.
Jim was a baseball, basketball and golf coach and a mentor to many. Jim found his voice in local politics, first as a Village Trustee in the late 70’s/early 80’s and subsequently, as Town Supervisor, first elected in 1987. During his time as Supervisor, Jim established many positive working relationships with other county leaders. Jim loved Harry Truman and often used his slogan “The Buck Stops Here”. He was a fiscally responsible leader and strived to influence others to be the same. He had many accomplishments during his 16-year career as Town Supervisor. One of his greatest accomplishments was spearheading a cross functional team to establish the Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mount Morris, which still provides care for many county residents at various stages in life.
Jim retired from politics in 2003, after which, he and Grace spent time enjoying their growing family, welcoming six grandchildren from 2000 to 2009. They were kept busy with Anna, Jack, Max, Molly, Owen and Tessa over the years, watching them grow and become each of their own persons. They were proud of their accomplishments and instilled their same values and wisdom to their children and grandchildren.
In 2015, Jim met Diane Buckley, embarking upon a wonderful relationship that led to their marriage in November 2018. Jim and Diane enjoyed their years with one another, moving to Penfield that same year. They loved each other’s company, laughed together, went to movies, and had countless restaurant date nights. They enjoyed each of their children and families and often laughed at their trials and tribulations of parenthood, laughing together at the antics.
Jim will be missed by many. He wore many hats in life, all very well. He strived to do the right thing and act ethically and with humility at every step.
Friends may call Friday 4-7 PM at The Alhart Funeral Home 3068 W. Main St. Caledonia, where his Funeral Service will be held Saturday 11 AM. Interment Pleasant Valley Cemetery, York.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Caledonia Library 3108 Main St. Caledonia, or Village of Caledonia Parks, 3095 Main St. Caledonia, NY 14423.
James Edward Layland II was born on August 18, 1938, to Lucy and Carl Layland. He grew up in Greigsville, New York and attended York Central School, from where he graduated in 1956, at the age of 16. Jim grew up in a wonderful home with his parents and sisters, Barb, and Diane. After High School, he briefly attended Alfred Tech, then Geneseo State, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Jim graduated with his Teaching Degree in 1960 and began a 33-year career that started at Middlesex Valley and ended at Churchville-Chili Central School in 1993. Jim married Grace Hubbard on June 9, 1962. They remained life-long companions until Grace’s passing on October 16, 2013. During their 51 years together, they had three children, James Jr, Douglas, and Amy Jo. They settled in Caledonia where they made many wonderful friends over the years and enjoyed golfing at the Caledonia Country Club, playing Euchre at the Iroquois Hotel and taking countless road trips.
Jim was a baseball, basketball and golf coach and a mentor to many. Jim found his voice in local politics, first as a Village Trustee in the late 70’s/early 80’s and subsequently, as Town Supervisor, first elected in 1987. During his time as Supervisor, Jim established many positive working relationships with other county leaders. Jim loved Harry Truman and often used his slogan “The Buck Stops Here”. He was a fiscally responsible leader and strived to influence others to be the same. He had many accomplishments during his 16-year career as Town Supervisor. One of his greatest accomplishments was spearheading a cross functional team to establish the Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Mount Morris, which still provides care for many county residents at various stages in life.
Jim retired from politics in 2003, after which, he and Grace spent time enjoying their growing family, welcoming six grandchildren from 2000 to 2009. They were kept busy with Anna, Jack, Max, Molly, Owen and Tessa over the years, watching them grow and become each of their own persons. They were proud of their accomplishments and instilled their same values and wisdom to their children and grandchildren.
In 2015, Jim met Diane Buckley, embarking upon a wonderful relationship that led to their marriage in November 2018. Jim and Diane enjoyed their years with one another, moving to Penfield that same year. They loved each other’s company, laughed together, went to movies, and had countless restaurant date nights. They enjoyed each of their children and families and often laughed at their trials and tribulations of parenthood, laughing together at the antics.
Jim will be missed by many. He wore many hats in life, all very well. He strived to do the right thing and act ethically and with humility at every step.
Friends may call Friday 4-7 PM at The Alhart Funeral Home 3068 W. Main St. Caledonia, where his Funeral Service will be held Saturday 11 AM. Interment Pleasant Valley Cemetery, York.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Caledonia Library 3108 Main St. Caledonia, or Village of Caledonia Parks, 3095 Main St. Caledonia, NY 14423.