James T. Hancock

1931 - 2012

Hancock, James T.

Keuka Village: On July 28, 2012. Born November 20th, 1931, near Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Bath, NY by his mom Lena and Grandmother Eva Bardeen. Survived by his loving wife Rosemary Mekos Hancock, five kids (Joseph "Dana", Lucia, Tom, Georgia & Cory), and 8 grandchildren (Mike, Tom, Paul, Matt, Melody, Tommy, Sarah, & Elizabeth).

Jim led an adventurous young life growing up with lots of friends in Bath and Prattsburg, NY. He competed with his close friend Walter Ferris for the most varsity letters at Haverling High. It was during these years that he discovered Keuka Lake, spending summers swimming, boating and sailing with anyone who needed crew for E-Scow races.

Jim attended Lehigh University on a football scholarship, playing 4 years as a running back and linebacker. His sophomore year marked the school's first and only undefeated season. He enjoyed great times with his teammates and Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers.

After college he had the opportunity to go pro with the NY Giants in the fledgling NFL, but instead decided to attend Syracuse Law School following his old friend Walt Ferris.

After law school, he enlisted in the US Navy and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. He was stationed primarily in Japan, where he was part of military intelligence, decoding messages and coaching the base's football team.

After serving in the Navy, Jim settled in Rochester, NY. He started out at Lincoln First Bank, and after being admitted to the NY State bar, joined a law firm. From the early 1970s on, he was his own boss in private practice. His biggest client right up until early 2012 was the Civil Service Employment Agency (CSEA).

As soon as he developed a sustainable practice, Jim searched for a cottage on Keuka Lake and found "Helvetia House." The former Keuka Yacht Club, turned small "hotel" turned oasis for local fisherman, became his home until his final days. "Want to go for a little sail?" he would ask if you were in earshot of his E-Scow.

Jim also loved to golf, with a strong short game and precision putting. A fixture at the Bath Country Club, he was instrumental in funding and building the back nine and the clubhouse expansion.

He was a Counselor, Sailor, Storyteller, Family Historian, Show-tune Hummer, Duct Tape Repair Man, Yankee Fanatic and great friend to all who knew him. So many have shared stories of how he went out of his way to help. Above all, he will be remembered as a devoted husband and a supportive, loving Father and Grandfather. He recently remarked how proud he was that each of his kids pursued advanced degrees, finding it "hard to believe" his family has such a wide variety of careers and interests. He gave his kids a strong foundation and example for fruitful, balanced and independent lives.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 31, 12 Noon - 2 PM and 6 PM - 8 PM at Fagan's Funeral Home, 31 West Morris St., Bath, NY. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 1st, at 11 AM, at Fagan's Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Tom Hancock's Pelotonia bike ride in support of cancer research: http://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=3886