James F. Cronin Jr.

Vernon Center - James Francis Cronin Jr. passed away unexpectedly in his home Wednesday, March 15th, 2023. He was born on June 8th, 1943. A son to Francis and Bertha Cronin. He attended Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School before deciding to work full time on his family farm. James had a love of fast cars and hunting. He spent his younger years drag racing at Utica-Rome Speedway, racing around town and out-running Chief Murphy as his many stories entailed. He was nicknamed 'The Great White Hunter' which he took much pride in. James knew almost everything there was to know about hunting. His favorite room in his house was his 'dead room', filled with his many mounted animals and pictures of his hunts. He served as the director of the Vernon Rod and Gun club for 30+ years! James spent his life working on his family farm with his father. Carrying on the farm after his father,s passing with his love, Linda. Together they worked hard until their retirement in 2000. Though he was retired you could still catch him in a tractor every spring. Helping his fellow farmers was one of his favorite past times. Since the passing of his wife, James took up a new hobby of collecting antique horse drawn plows. He was very proud of his collection and even joked that he was the president of the Vernon Center Plow Company. James leaves behind two daughters; Holly (Mike) Prendergast of Madison and Sheri Cronin of Vernon Center. Grandchildren; Kayla Bourne of Vernon Center, Erik Foster of Madison and Samantha (Joshua) Gaudin of Munnsville. Five great-grandchildren; Adriona Bourne, Autumn Gaudin, Brooklynn Gaudin, Chloe Gaudin and Dominick Francis Gaudin. A sister, Doris (Donald) Clinch of Vernon Center. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. And a very special cousin, his best friends, Charles 'Junie' Burke of Vernon Center. James was pre-deceased by his wife Linda, his parents Francis and Bertha and a great-granddaughter; Marley Foster. James loved his friends, family and himself as he always liked to say. He could always be found laughing and smiling with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called him 'Boppa'. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home, 23 Front Street, Vernon, NY. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. immediately following calling hours at the funeral home. Spring burial will be in Knoxboro Cemetery, Knoxboro, NY. Online condolences may be sent to Malecki funeral home.com https://www.lastingmemories.com/james-f-cronin-jr