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James Podraza Obituary
Jim graduated from Syracuse University with the class of 1957, where he was a three year letterman with a football scholarship. He was an ROTC student, following graduation he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at Ft. Benning, Ga. for 2 years and then served six years as a company commander in the Active Reserves.
He was an educator his entire professional life, first as a science/chemistry teacher and football coach at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School. In 1979 he became the high school principal at Oxford Academy and Central School, where he was instrumental in establishing the Dollars for Scholars Program. Following his retirement he served as an interim principal at several schools.
Jim was always active in the community, especially with the Oxford Lions Club, where he was always in charge of the annual community Christmas dinner. He was also an active member of the Oxford United Methodist Church, where he held many leadership positions.
He loved to play golf with his friends, and having coffee with the men at Clachen Coffee House. He was a very active member of the Board at Riverview Cemetery in Oxford. He was proud of building his own home in Oxford with his family.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 53 years, Hazel; his daughters, Ellen Levine and Diane and husband, Christopher Connor; his son, Robert Podraza and wife, Laurel; seven grandchildren whom he greatly loved, Alex, Claire, John, Rachel, Robert, Victoria, and Morgan; his brother, George and wife, Margaret Podraza of Denver, Colo.
He will be greatly missed by his family, his church and his community of friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 at 11 a.m. at the Oxford United Methodist Church with Rev. John Martin, officiating. Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, N.Y. on Friday from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Dollars for Scholars.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Podraza
Bobbie and Bill Schofield
May 13, 2011
Hazel, we're so sorry this is late, but are praying for your comfort in this difficult time. The world has lost a great guy.
Edward Dohrn
December 20, 2010
Mr. Podraza was my football coach, but more importantly was my Chemistry teacher. He introduced me to my career, and was a big part of the kind of man I became. Not a week goes by that I don't think of him. He was one of two men that made the biggest impact on my life. I will miss him, and I will pray for him.
Jim Nixdorf
December 14, 2010
My condolences to the Podraza family on the passing of Jim. Jim and I started our teaching careers together at VVS in 1957. We also coached track together for a little while. We also spent many an afternoon on the golf course. He was a very good man. Rest in peace.
Paul Miller
December 11, 2010
What a coach! What a teacher! What a man! Mr Podraza was all those things and more. He respected kids. They respected him. He set a perfect example in being good at everything he did. He knew when to joke and when to buckle down. He taught us the difference. He just wanted us to do our best. On the field he was the coach and you were there to compete. Winning was important but doing your best was more important. Teamwork..do your part. He led us to do things we couldn't have done on our own. Remember the 1964 Oneida game? The halftime locker room speech lasted about 30 seconds but it did what we needed to have done to us.
In the classroom he was there to teach and you were there to learn. It was obvious that he loved and revered his wife and family showing demonstrating to young and foolish boys what a real man should be. He played no small role in everything good that happened in my life.
Don Rider
December 11, 2010
Jim was my football coach at VVS 1963-65. He left an indelible impression me. When I became an Infantry Platoon leader in Vietnam, some of the determination, focus and fortitude I picked up from "Coach" helped carry me through.
Educators like Jim really do not realize what a lasting impression they create on people. I have thought of him many times over the years. I rememeber his toughness but also remember his loving the students, the players and the career of an educator.
All of his family members can take great pride in his legacy.
Don Rider
Attorney at Law
Brookeville, MD
Pat Usborne Hope
December 10, 2010
To the Podraza family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Susan and Norm Jutras
December 10, 2010
Hazel and Family
So deeply sadden to hear from Louise and Pete of your lost.
Jim will be greatly missed I am sure,also in Florida.
His cheerful smile and disposition at all times.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joan & Charlie Weber
December 10, 2010
Dear Hazel,
It is a true blessing to have the privilege of sharing grand-parenting with you and Jim. Alex and Claire adore you both. Jim's intellect, patience and spirit will continue to guide them forever. His keen insight has been inspiring for us as well. We will miss him, yet we will always cherish our memories of the happy times together. Needless to say at this time the world definitely needs more quality men like Jim Podraza. We will are grateful to you and Jim for having a wonderful son Bob to be our grandchildren's father and our daughter's loving husband. May God bless Jim and the entire Podraza family.
Thomas Baumgartner
December 10, 2010
He was my Principal from 1984-87 and he left a huge impression on me that is still with me to this day. I will never forget betting with him on the 1986 world series (the Mets won). Thomas Baumgartner
Patrick Broski
December 10, 2010
Prayers for all of you during this difficult time....
Jim Winterton
December 10, 2010
Mrs Podraza and family,
I played football for Coach Podraza in the 1960s and had Mr. Podraza for chemistry class. I am very sorry for your loss. Coach Podraza had an impact on my life. He worked hard to get through to me. It did not "take" immediately, but after military service I got what he was trying to tell me. I taught 28 years, and coached football. Now I am still coaching and to Mr. Podraza I am forever grateful.
Sincerely,
Jim Winterton
VVS class of 1964
Joe and Linda Frisbie
December 10, 2010
To Ellen and all of the family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of your dad, and want you to know that our prayers go out to you for peace, as you share the wonderful memories you have of him, and celebrate his life.
Charlene Peet Rowe
December 9, 2010
My condolences to the Podraza family. I have a fond memory of my brother, Brad Peet, walking down the street with big Bob. The ultimate "odd couple" friends. Hope your wonderful memories guide you through this difficult time.
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