James V. Mahunik

MORAVIA - James V. Mahunik, 54, of Skinner Hill Road, Moravia, passed away Tuesday morning, July 11, 2017 at SUNY Upstate Hospital in Syracuse, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Auburn on May 29, 1963, the son of the late Julian and Margaret Annan and had resided most of his life in the Port Byron and Moravia areas. "Jim or Jimmy," as he was affectionately known by his family and friends was a graduate of Oswego State College. Prior to his recent illness, Jim had been employed by New York State for more than 36 years, with most of his time with the DOCCS (The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision) in Cayuga. He was a former communicant of St. Hyacinth's Church and past president of the Port Byron Fire Department. Jimmy's most favorite and cherished times were those spent teaching his children and numerous other kids the techniques and rules of many different sports. Jim was a coach for several teams in both Moravia and Auburn, including C.Y.O. and C.C.Y.O. basketball teams, soccer, baseball, tee ball, and ran the Biddie basketball program. Jim's motto at the end of all of his games or practices was, "Did everyone have fun?" Jim loved working with the children and they enjoyed playing for him. Jimmy's charismatic smile, infectious laugh, and sense of humor were only a few traits that describe this "gentle" giant. We would be remiss to mention his love for the New York Jets, Syracuse Orange, and especially the New York Yankees. One special occasion every year, you could find Jim was suiting up as Santa Claus either at Elmira or Cayuga County Correctional Facilities. All of this paled in comparison to the love he had for his family. He will be sadly missed by them but truly never forgotten.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Kari (Habeck) Mahunik, of Moravia; three beautiful children: daughters, Joyanna and Kaitlin; son, Jordan and his fiancée, Stacey Lese; a beloved grandson, Mason Lese; three sisters, Carol (Greg) Hyrcza, Catherine Mahunik, and Jacqueline Smith; two brothers, Peter (Erin) Mahunik, and Joseph (Roberta) Mahunik; father-in-law, Richard Habeck; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as his favorite feline companion, Buddy James, and a close second was, Joshua Michael.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by a brother, Michael, and his mother-in-law, Joyce "Speedy" Habeck.

Calling hours are from 2 to 4 p.m. this Sunday afternoon with services to immediately follow at 4 p.m. all at Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn.

Contributions may be made to the Moravia Food Pantry, 66 Aurora St., Moravia, NY 13118.