James Shearer Obituary

Shearer, James T. HERKIMER/CLIFTON PARK Mr. James T. "Rosie" Shearer, 85, of Vista Court passed away Friday, December 27, 2013 in Wesley Health Care Center, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Herkimer, N.Y. on August 23, 1928, the son of the late Thomas and Ethel Gunter Shearer. He attended Herkimer Schools, graduating from Herkimer High School with the class of 1946. He served in the US Army during World War II until his Honorable Discharge on February 4, 1948. He later attended Utica College where he received his bachelor's degree in biology and botany. He was married to Victoria Sczerbaniewicz on November 20, 1954 in Herkimer. Victoria passed away on November 11, 2008. Jim began his career with Jackson & Perkins in the production/research/control department in 1953, and was later promoted to production manager. He moved to Newburgh and worked in sales for the company. His knowledge of horticulture, especially roses, resulted in his invention of water soluble rose fertilizer that was eventually marketed by another company under the Miracle Gro name, Redi-Plant rose packaging, an extensive consumer brochure on growing and caring for roses, as well as a DVD. He was also inducted into the New York State Nursery/Landscape Association, Inc. Hall of Fame in 1994. Jim retired from Jackson Perkins after 47 years of lecturing, conducting seminars, and consulting all over the Northeast. He was a member of Elks Club in Newark, N.Y., a Scout Master in Newark, a member of the American Legion in Newburgh, and Chairman of the National Rose Festival Week in Newark in 1968. James is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Randy Gray of Clifton Park; one son and daughter-in-law, James and Kim Shearer of Clintondale, N.Y.; his beloved grandchildren, and their spouses, Corey and Andrea Gray, Erin and Ryan Prendergast, Christopher Shearer and his fianc? Jahzbele Pagan, and James Matthew Shearer; two great-grandchildren, Lilyanne and Blake; three sisters and one brother-in-law, Margaret Anderson of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Marilyn Green of Sanford, N.C. and Jean and Vern Snyder of Herkimer; one brother, Thomas Shearer of Northville, N.Y.; his in-laws, Joseph and Pearl Sczerbaniewicz of Schuyler, N.Y., Edward and Betsy Sczerbaniewicz of Hohokus, N.J., Leo and Lorraine Sczerbaniewicz of Whitesboro, N.Y., Josephine Widay of Herkimer, Irene and Ron Szatko of Ilion, N.Y. and Stella Sczerbaniewicz of Herkimer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Clarise Shearer. His funeral will be held Monday at 12 p.m. in the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St., Herkimer, with the Rev. James Cogar, officiating. Spring interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday morning 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Wesley Health Care Center, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, 965 Albany Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110 or to Community Missions, Inc., 1570 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on James's online memorial page by going to iocovozzifuneralhomes.com

Published by Albany Times Union on Dec. 29, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Our neighborhood, the Vistas, in Clifton Park, was a beneficiary of James green thumb for. Susan Gray took care of our plants and established much beauty in our neighborhood.

Jerry and Gerry Havasy

Jerry & Gerry Havasy

Other

December 23, 2023

We really miss his visits to the store -his smile -laughter RIP- miss the roses he gave out

Jim &Marianne Devitt

Friend

December 23, 2020

It was a pleasure knowing him and caring for him at Wesley.

January 12, 2014

For thoese of us who new him in the trde he was a one of a kind salesman. He was enthusiastic, helpful and enegetic. He loved and knew roses and knew how to promote them. His lectures were the highlight of our Spring lecture series and were always well attended and looked forward to by my customers. All of the women loved the roses he pinned on them. e was a promoter and a inovator, a one of a kind salesmen that will be dirly missed by the horticultural community. We were lucky to know him and we will miss him direly.

Alfred Krautter

January 5, 2014

We're so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We'll always remember Rosie for his vibrant personality and congenial good cheer.

Jim Devitt & Family

December 31, 2013

Sue,

Your father sounds like he led a wonderful life.

God bless you all.

Jerry & Gerry Havasy

December 30, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home - Herkimer

329 S. Washington St., Herkimer, NY 13350

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