James Childs

James "Pop Pop" Childs, Sr.

Highland, NY - James G. "Pop Pop" Childs, Sr., 61, of Highland, NY passed away peacefully on September 2, 2015 at Wingate at Ulster after a long hard fight with Lou Gehrig's Disease(ALS). He was born September 11, 1953 in Springfield, VT the son of the late Leighton Childs and Rachel Barrows.

Jim grew up in Vermont before moving to Highland in his High School years. He was a great athlete, in both baseball and basketball and made many lasting friendships that would span his lifetime. Jim worked as a purchasing agent for IBM before his retirement from there in the late 1990's. Later on he worked at Babies R Us in Poughkeepsie, NY.

He is survived by his loving children, Melissa Mandia(Joseph Bertero) of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, James Childs Jr.(Jill) of Highland, NY, and Joseph Childs of Florida, Grandchildren Samantha Mandia, Christopher Mandia. Melanie Childs, Danica Childs, and Bethany Childs. He also leaves behind his adoring sisters Janet Williams(Jim), Judy Anderson(Andy), his loving brothers Michael Childs(Lee), Thomas Childs(Linda), his sister in law Margorie Childs, brother in law Clay Williams and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. We would like to mention a special THANK YOU to his Great Aunt Rose Marie Batchelor, who spent many days with him in his last several months caring for him and building a bond with him, Aunt Rosie is an angel on earth. Jim was predeceased by his sisters Jean Williams, Joyce Savory, brothers Rodney Childs and Butch Childs. The family would like to also send out a special THANK YOU to all the special people at Wingate at Ulster for their loving care of our beloved Father and Pop Pop, especially Roseann "Rosella" Arciuolo whom Dad grew very fond of in his short time there.

Calling hours will be Friday, September 4th from 5pm-9pm at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 218 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Street level and wheelchair accessible entrance located off Vassar Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday September 5th 10 am at Holy Trinity Church, Poughkeepsie NY followed by burial in Highland Cemetery, Highland, NY. For directions, online condolences, or to send the family a sympathy card please visit our website at www.torsonememorial.com In lieu of flowers, a donation in Jim's name to the fight against ALS would be appreciated.