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James Takacs Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Takacs
Susan F Jones
October 2, 2025
Dear Allison, Rosemary, Grace, Donna, and Frank,
I only recently heard about Jim's death, all these years later. I was friends with Jim for most of our time at the U of R. We had several classes together, both worked in the dining hall, and we both lived at Helen Wood Hall. Jim was one of the most helpful, reliable friends I had, then or now. He even cut my hair several times. He saw that I had trimmed my bangs - very badly. He said, "Why do you do this to yourself? Next time let me do it." Then, after a month, he notuced that my bangs had grown out, and he reminded me that he was happy to do it again. I never saw him annoyed with anyone. I hope your grief has eased. May his light shine on, and may his memory be for a blessing.
Nick Messuri
November 24, 2008
Dear Allison, so sorry to hear the news about Jim. I was out of state when notified, and certainly wish I could have been there to say good bye to him, and to express my deepest sympathies to you and the family. As you may recall, upon joining the DAs office in 1986, Jim was that first person I met, entrusted to teach me the ropes. He was handling bail arguments that day and I sat next to him. He really was my first teacher for the first few months on the job. Through those initial years we stayed close. We were sent to Houston in 1990 for the two week career prosecutor course. While there we had a great time. Jim always had a calm professional demeanor that I admired. It was great for Tina and I to have him at our wedding in 1990. There is a special photo of him and the other ADAs that will forever stay in our album. I also was always glad to refer a friend to him when his counseling services were needed. Jim was a great guy, no doubt he will be greatly missed. Nick
Dennis and Elizabeth Gallagher
November 23, 2008
Alison and Family:
We are so sorry to hear of the recent passing of your husband Jim and words are difficult to find at this time. Please know that we are praying for you and your family and ask God to be with you in a very special way. May God bless you always.
William Gallagher
November 21, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers, Alison and children. We are sure wonderful things awaited Jim. The Gallaghers(Binghamton).
Joe Deignan
November 21, 2008
Dear Allison,
There are no words I can say to console you or bring relief from the grief that you must feel. Jim was a wonderful man, husband, father and friend to all who knew him. I will always feel blessed that I had the opportunity to know him and call him my friend.
To Rosemary and Grace - your Dad was a very special person who touched so many lives. I see your Dad's strength in each of you. I know you will carry his love, his memories and his spirit with you always.
To Jim's Mom and Dad - What a true gift you gave to mankind. I will always remember Jim's kind smile and his love of family and friends. I share your grief and sadness with Jim's passing. I cannot say good-bye, I will say, until we meet again.
Lois Desmond
November 21, 2008
Working with Jim at White Inker was always a pleasure. Jim's quiet demeaner and quick sense of humor was wonderful. I often teased him about his Nascar and Beenie Baby decorations in his office. We used to rearrange them when he was out, and he would quickly put them back in order when he returned. A clear sign of his organized, keen mind. He will be fondly remembered. Alison, you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Eric Brandt
November 21, 2008
Dear Alison, Rosemary, Grace, Frank, and Donna,
Just last night I learned of Jim's passing. I was crushed, and very upset that I could not be with you to celebrate his life. I spent four years with Jim at the University of Rochester, and remained close with him for several years after. Only recently did we re-connect our friendship. He was there for me when I needed support during our college years. A very special, caring, and warm person. A true friend indeed. To Alison, Rosemary, and Grace - you each were the love of his life, he spoke of you often, and always with warmth. To Frank and Donna, Jim was, and will continue to be, an inspiration to us all, especialy those of us who shared a special bond during our formative years in college. Jim leaves us many memories, for which we are very grateful. My condolences to you all.
Susan Carnduff
November 21, 2008
I was so sad to read about Jim's passing. Although now a long way away in Afghanistan, I was in Scott's office while Jim was there - what a joy he was to work with. My thoughts are with the family.
Lucy Murray-Brown
November 20, 2008
Dear Allison,
I am deeply distressed to hear the sad news of Jim's untimely death. I was on Jim's team when he was at the DA's office, and he was unfailingly kind and thoughtful, and greatly respected by everyone he dealt with. I don't remember a more trustworthy and considerate person during my tenure there.
i am in Alaska and therefore not able to come to his funeral, but I will be there with you and your family in spirit, and send you my deepest sympathy and my love,
Lucy
Carole and Joe Gross
November 20, 2008
Dear Alison, Rosemary and Grace,
Words cannot express the deep sorrow Joe and I feel for you and your girls. Jim was such a special guy. He was such a family man. We know his love of you and the girls will surround you always. He too was a very courageous man and now he is at peace.
We wish we could be with you and your family at this time; but you know we will see you in Boston in the future.
We will continue to pray for you and the whole family at this difficult time.
Duey Evans
November 20, 2008
Alison,
I hate to be doing this from so very far away. As I think back on my friendship with Jim, it is impossible to remember a time when we even quarreled, let alone fought. I am fortunate to have photographs of him in tuxedo as part of my wedding party in 1986.
Though we have gone separate ways over the past two decades, he remains a part of the only group of true friends I have ever had. I can only imagine the great dad and husband he has been all these years. He will be missed by many.
Sandy Lawton
November 19, 2008
Allison
I am so sorry to hear about you wonderful husband, Jim. I will always remember the special family you were when you were part of St. Bridget community.
May prayers are with you as I know just how hard this is.
Anne Riley
November 19, 2008
Allison, We are so sorry to hear about Jim. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers during these last few months. Jim is now at peace and he will always be in the hearts of you and the girls. Also, now you have a very special angel to watch over you and the girls. Please give our love to Max and Mary Lynn. God watch over all of you at this time. Tony and Anne Riley, Vestal, NY
Betsy Baldwin
November 19, 2008
Dear Allison, Rosemary and Grace,
We were all very saddened when we received the news of Jim's passing. We want you to know that our thoughts are with you and that if you ever need anything, anything at all, we are here for you.
Love, The Baldwin Family
Len & Liz Spada
November 19, 2008
Alison, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I know what a true love story the two of you shared. I remember when the two of you first met. You would tell me at Bar Review how wonderful he was and how he was the man you were going to marry. It clearly was love at first sight for you. You never spoke about Jim without a huge smile on your face. So few people ever find that kind of love. You and your girls will always be in our prayers.
Phil & Florence White
November 19, 2008
Jim was a true gentleman, devoted to his profession, but to his wife and daughters first. Family was his first priority always. He was kind and considerate to all. The legal profession is diminished by his passing. He will be missed.
Marybeth Appio
November 19, 2008
Alison,
I was so saddened to read Eileen's email to us about Jim's passing. I cannot even imagine what it has been like for you and your girls. My prayers and sympathy go out to you and them and your families.
From your note, I know you believe Jim is at peace and no longer suffering. I hope that and all the memories you have can somehow help you till you are reunited with him. You are truly blessed to have 2 little girls to remind you of him always.
I also know how much this must hurt you, as you know all too well the pain of losing your dad at a young age. May you be able to help your girls deal with this as you have done.
I wish I could be there at this time for you.
Hopefully, we all will make a road trip soon to come visit you.
Love,
your old Scranton friend & roommate,
Marybeth
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