Obituary of James R. Menechella

Elmira Heights:  Age 76, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family.  Jim was born and raised in Elmira, the son of the late Rocco and Velma (Stone) Menechella.  Jim is also predeceased by his mother-in-law Agnes Paul and brother-in-law Robert Downey.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years Helen Paul Menechella; sons and daughter-in-law, James A. and Meghan Menechella of Elmira with their son Jameson; Brian Menechella of Elmira; sister Suzanne Downey of Elmira with children, David Weston, Rockelle (Jason) Evans and Sarah Sperduto; father-in-law Arthur Paul of Elmira Heights; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Edward Thayer of Cicero NY, Kathryn Paul of Valbonne, France with her children, Sebastien (Maeva) and Nicolas; godson Joseph Pryslak; best friends, Toni and Gary Bradley, Steve Snyder, Barb and Michael Baker, Chuck and Marlene LeMark, Kip Capozzi , and all of his card playing friends.  Jim is also survived by several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. 

Growing up in “The Patch” Jim spent his childhood years playing in Patch Park.  He was a founding member of the former LON Club that was in The Patch.  Jim worked as a City of Elmira dispatcher for 20 years.  Summer time was the best for Jim….the good times spent at Camp Arey on Keuka Lake, and a week every August at Saratoga Race Track.  He also enjoyed his trips to multiple casinos.  Jim was a die-hard Notre Dame University and Penn State football fan.  The NY Giants were his favorite pro team as were the New York Yankees.  In his earlier years Jim enjoyed bowling at Rossi Lanes.  He was a member of the Horseheads Elks and a communicant of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish.  One of his greatest joys was being “Bobo” to his best buddy, grandson Jameson.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.   A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 9:45 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira, presided by his lifelong friend Father John DeSocio. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic). 

Jim’s family gives special thanks to Kori and Melissa for taking care of Jim at his home and to Kim and other staff at Elcor for caring for Jim while he was there.  To CareFirst Hospice for their care at the end of Jim’s life…thank you.  To Dr. Rupik and Nicole Mosher, NP, and staff, for their years of caring for Jim….thank you.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Jim with a donation to either the SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Elmira NY 14903, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959.