James F. Fazio

Jacksonville, FL - James F. Fazio was born December 22, 1928, and went to be with the Lord on August 1, 2025. He was 96. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie.

He had 5 children, Paula Furr (Donnie), James Fazio Jr. (Francine), Michael Fazio (preceded in death, survived by Ruth), Christine DiJohn (Ed), and John Fazio (Susan).

He had 18 grandchildren: Carlos Martinez, Melanie McClung (Jason), Vincent Fazio (Cara), Gionna Fazio, Mary Nally (Joseph), Monica Duquette (Joshua), Elizabeth Parslow (Charles), Nicole Fazio, Anne Gildea (James), Kathleen Fazio, Maria Paniccia (Nick), Rocco DiJohn, Jake DiJohn, Gina D'Aurizio (Joseph), Angela Williams (Chris), Melissa Durner (Jeff), John Fazio Jr. (Jessica), Matthew Fazio, 22 great-grandchildren and 3 more on the way.

He served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952.

On August 29, 1953, he married Marie Ancora in their hometown of Pittsfield, MA. They shared 66 years of marriage. He lived with Marie for one year in New Orleans, LA, while attending Tulane University in 1953. Upon expecting their first child, they returned to Pittsfield, where he transferred to UMass Amherst and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

He began his career as an accountant at Apple & Albano before joining the United States Department of Defense as an auditor, a role that took him to various places, including Owego, NY, in 1967, Rexford, NY, in 1974, and finally Winter Springs, FL, in 1983, where he retired in 1990 and lived there until 2016.

In later years, he split his time between his two daughters' homes, six months in Jacksonville, FL, with Paula, and six months in Scotia, NY, with Christine.

Jim loved God, Marie, and Golf; the order wasn't always so clear.

Jim's faith in God was a very important part of his life and the center of his and Marie's marriage. He was an integral part of marriage encounter groups and also led bible study groups in their home.

As a teenager and into young adulthood, he loved playing baseball and played on many teams, and many more wanted him to play for them. He was frequently in the Berkshire Eagle for his baseball accomplishments, like when he hit for the cycle, causing many younger ballplayers to offer to carry his glove.

Throughout his life, Jim loved playing golf, competing in tournaments, and winning the Super Seniors Award at age 78. He was a starter at Tuscawilla, a member and frequent player at Winter Park Pines, and achieved eight hole-in-ones, including one at age 89 at Eagle Crest Golf Course. He shot his age into his 80s and worked annually at the Disney Classic, driving professional golfers and their families. Jim also enjoyed playing tennis and softball.

Jim was a beautiful man who lived an amazing life. He was loved and will be missed by all until we meet again.

Visiting hours with family and friends will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a brief time of sharing from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie.

A committal service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Town of Saratoga.

All guests are welcome to attend a meal afterward from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Palazzo's in Rotterdam, 780 Hamburg St, Schenectady, NY 12303.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) in Jim’s memory. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com