James E. Capron

1944 - 2024

GENEVA - James E. Capron, 79, of Glass Factory Bay Rd., Geneva, N.Y., died on January 24, 2024. James was born March 22, 1944, in Springwater, New York, son of Russell and Mildred Allen Capron.

He was a graduate of Victor Central High School, Victor, N.Y., and received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees from Cornell University. Jim operated the family farm throughout his high school and college years. While at Cornell University, Jim sang in the Cornell Glee Club and performed in programs on campus and throughout the world including a Southeast Asian and European tour. He was particularly moved by the experience of singing in the grand cathedrals of Europe.

Jim began his career in 1967 as a conservation instructor at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES in Flint N.Y. For fourteen years, Jim instructed students as they developed skills in conservation, equipment operation and maintenance. In 1981, Jim started working for Cornell University as a Cooperative Extension Area Field Crops Specialist. Jim was well respected by the growers with whom he worked. He organized and presented a variety of programs to educate growers regarding field crop production, zone tillage, equipment use and management, waste handling, and grain storage. Jim was most at home discussing farming practices with growers in their fields, helping modify or fix equipment. Growers frequently sought his knowledge on zone tillage and its practical application. When not in the field, Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hang gliding, sailing, playing music and exploring his faith. After retiring from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Jim worked for ten years at Seedway in Hall, N.Y. on corn variety trials, seed planters and seed corn development. Jim was a long time member of the Presbyterian Church in Geneva and continuously sang in the church choir or the Finger Lakes Chorale. Jim was also passionate about music, playing stand-up bass in a bluegrass band.

Jim's ingenuity, compassion, humor, friendship, love of music, sailing, and admiration for his children and grandchildren was evident throughout his life. His advice on house projects, car repairs, or any other tasks will be greatly missed.

James is survived by his wife, Diana Parker; sister, Mary Jane Capron of Michigan; sisters-in-law, Barbara Joan (& Stan) Trojanowski of Ohio and Patricia (& Wilbur) Robarge of Indiana; brother-in-law, John (& Carol) Miller of Virginia; daughters, Lisa (& Marcus) Geist of Alaska, Amy (& Justin) Barrow of Colorado, as well as Bob (& Stacy) Parker of Pennsylvania, and Tom Parker of Texas; and three grandchildren, Nina Geist, Jacob Barrow, and Nate Parker.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and many aunts and uncles.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, (April 13), at 2 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Geneva, 25 Park Place, Geneva, N.Y. Burial will be in Farmington Friends Church Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are courtesy of Devaney-Bennett Funeral Home, Geneva, N.Y.

For those wishing to write a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.devaneybennettfh.com