James Gleason Sr.

James W. Gleason, Sr., 77, of 60 Scott Drive, passed away Tuesday (Nov. 5, 2024) surrounded by his family while at home.
Born Feb. 8, 1947, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Stanley M. and Bettie M. (Becker) Gleason Jr.
He was a 1965 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School. He attended St. Bonaventure until he was drafted April 14, 1969, into the U.S. Army. He served until his honorable discharge Nov. 21, 1970.
On Aug. 9, 1998, at the Jim Gleason Ball Field, he married Colleen M. (Gray)
Gleason, who survives.
He worked for SM Gleason & Co. as a job foreman for 35 years. He was proud of many of his buildings, including the building of the Zippo / Case Museum, Union Square, Bradford Public Library and the addition and remodel at the YMCA.
Jim coached Midget League Football, was a coach and commissioner of the Bradford Youth Basketball League for 35 years. He coached the Lincoln Senior League teams for more than 20 years. He built and maintained the Jim Gleason Ball Field for 20 years.
He was a Ramblers Association volunteer, a member of the Bradford Central Christian High School Alumni, Italian American Progressive Club, Western New York Trotters Association member and his horses raced in Western New York and Pennsylvania at the Meadows Racetrack. He owned many horses including SG's Delight. He was a lifelong Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan, avid golfer and longtime member of Pine Acres Country Club.
Surviving in addition of his wife, Colleen, of 26 years and their beloved dog, Taz, are one daughter, Michele Gleason of Bradford; four sons, James Gleason Jr. of Bradford, Matthew Gleason of Atlanta, Adam (Amanda) James of Petrolia and Dominick (Tabbatha) James of Coudersport; one sister, Barbara (Duane) Bartlebaugh of Bradford; one brother, John (Jeanne) Gleason of Tampa, Fla.; eight grandchildren, who were the joys of his life, Christopher, Allie, Nick, Nate, Brooke, Alex, Anna and Bella; one great-grandchild, Calvin; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert F. Gleason.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 9, 2024) at St. Francis Church, with the Rev. Ed Walk as celebrant, followed by a gathering of family and close friends afterward at St. Bernard's cafeteria. Burial with military honors will be accorded in St. Bernard Cemetery, with members of the U.S. Army and Bradford American Legion Post 108 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to a local youth sports program of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are under direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at hollenbeckcahill.com.