James Lynn Cronkhite

James Lynn Cronkhite CooperstownJames Lynn Cronkhite, of Cooperstown, and a former resident of Spencer and Fort Plain, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, shortly after undergoing surgery for a persistent medical issue. He was 68. Jim was the son of George Seward Cronkhite and Anna Mae Nellis and was born June 16, 1946 in Amsterdam. He grew up on the century old dairy farm in the Fordsbush section of Montgomery County. Jim graduated from Fort Plain Central School in 1963, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He lettered in basketball, baseball, soccer and track, served on the Student Council and won first place in the annual science fair competition. Jim was also very active in 4-H, winning numerous prizes at livestock shows, including the annual Junior Livestock Show in Cooperstown. A graduate of Ithaca College, Jim first taught physical education, then math and later became an administrator. He last served as athletic director and dean of students in the Spencer-Van Etten Central School District in Tioga County. He also coached basketball, football, girls' volleyball, and for 33 years, the boys' varsity baseball team (his favorite sport). Jim had a friendly and outgoing personality and was always willing to help out a friend or student. He attended The Reformed Church of Fort Plain and was a lifelong fan of both the New York Yankees and Giants. He loved to entertain family and friends, play cards, solve puzzles and garden, as well as cross-country ski and travel when he was able. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lorraine Quackenbush Cronkhite, originally of Fort Plain; a brother, Dennis Cronkhite and his wife, Maureen, of Fordsbush; a sister, Patricia Hurley and her husband, Christopher, of Skaneateles; as well as his nieces and nephews, Bryan Cronkhite, Karen Cronkhite, Jennifer Raux (Randy), Christopher Hurley (Megan) and James Hurley (Kate); and a great-nephew, Benjamin Raux. He was predeceased by his parents. Friends may call at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, 82 Chestnut Street, Cooperstown, on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 4 to 6 p.m., when Jim's family will be in attendance. A funeral service will be offered at the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2014, with the Rev. Nancy Ryan, pastor of The Reformed Church of Fort Plain, officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Plain Cemetery. It is the wish of the family that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Jim be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.