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James Conlon Obituary
James Dell Cort Conlon
of Astoria, NY
James Dell Cort Conlon died after a brief illness on Friday, July 17, 2009, in New York at the Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia Medical Center. The son of Phyllis Dell Cort Conlon of Vestal, NY and Michael J. Conlon of Endwell, NY, James was Director of the Visual Media Center for Art History, Archaeology, and Historic Preservation at Columbia University. He was born in Binghamton, NY in 1972, attended schools in Vestal, NY and after completing his BA degree in Classics and Religion at the University of Rochester and a year in Jordan as a Fulbright Fellow, he earned an MA degree in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures from Indiana University and a postgraduate certificate in the preservation of Archaeological Sites and Historic Buildings from Columbia University. While directing the Visual Media Center at Columbia, James participated in conservation projects across the Near East, taught courses in preservation, and explored new ways to recover and preserve the relationship between heritage places and local communities. He was also an active member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an organization of professionals dedicated to the conservation of the world's historic monuments. In recent years James lived in Astoria, NY where he practiced and taught Taekwondo, and participated in projects to support the artistic and cultural life of his community. His interest in the diverse ethnic and cultural life of Astoria, led him to create and co-direct Buzzer Thirty-a physical space for art exhibitions, readings by poets and writers, seminars, lectures, and media classes. He loved his family and work, his home in the city, the support of many friends, the history and culture of the Near East, all types of music, basketball, and his remarkable and loyal cat, Solomon. In addition to his parents, James Conlon leaves his brother, Sean P. Conlon and fiancée, Deedy Noiman of Cincinnati, OH; his sister, Dr. Margaret M. Conlon and her husband, David Mudd of Lawrenceburg, KY; his aunt, Carol Ganner and uncle, William Ganner of Palm Harbor, FL; nieces, Anna Daisy Mudd and Lucy Conlon; his nephew, Vincent Conlon; cousins, William Ganner, Jr. of Sarasota, FL, Christi Ganner of Palm Harbor, FL, Kathy Stephenson of Atlanta, GA; and his special friend, Jacqui Khiu of Brooklyn, NY.
The family will receive friends at the Bednarsky Funeral Home, 96 Glenwood Ave., Binghamton, NY on Wednesday, July 22, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at Newman House, 400 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal, NY at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made for the relief of flood victims in Yemen, in care of the Yemen Red Crescent Society, Head Office Bldg. 10, 26 September St., Sanaa, Yemen.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Conlon
Mark VerBryck
August 15, 2009
To the Conlon Family,
I was shocked to hear about James death. I coached James in CYO Basketball, our team went 0-18. James was one our leaders and he knew how to be a team player and always have fun. I feel deeply for your loss.
Sincerely, Mark VerBryck
Amanda Hartman
August 7, 2009
To the family and friends of James,
I first met James in College at Rochester. We have recently only kept up with one another recently on FB but I am so saddened by the lost. James was a wonderful person and he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies are with you.
Thinking of you and James.
Amanda Hartman
August 3, 2009
James was a very good friend of mine. I have seen him once since high school. It was really like nothing changed. I think its tragic to see a friend so young pass away. If it wasn't for him, I never would have graduated from high school. I wish his family the best.
Ganesh Mahalingam
Dan Kaschak
August 1, 2009
I was saddened to see the news of Jim’s passing. He was a great friend who had a smile and laugh I will always remember. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who had the pleasure to know him.
Christopher Smith
July 29, 2009
Dear Conlon Family,
James and I were friends and close neighbors on Rochester and although we've not been in close touch for several years, I 've kept up with his work and heard news through common NY friends. I am so sorry for you loss. James was one of the most intelligent and fun people I remember from Rochester and many of my best memories from that time were with him and his housemates. My condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Joan Eisch
July 28, 2009
Phyllis,
I did not know your son, but am painfully aware of dealing with losing an adult child. Actually it was the 33rd anniversary of our daughter's death on the day of your son's memorial service. His obituary was so inspiring. God works in ways we cannot understand. Life does go on and prayer is the mainstay. My thoughts are with you as you cope with this tragedy. God Bless you!
Hollyamber Kennedy
July 28, 2009
My most sincere sympathies to the Conlon family. James was a remarkably generous and humble individual. He was an illuminating presence in the department at Columbia, both professionally and personally.
He radiated with kindness, curiosity and compassion, and he will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
Steve Duseau
July 28, 2009
I have only seen James twice since High School, but just like the times we spent together in school, we laughed both times. I will never forget the road trip we took to Buffalo to see The Who in concert. As I remember James, I will always remember laughing hysterically with him. He was certainly a person who brought a great deal of joy into the lives of others. He will be sorely missed.
Debra Morgan Elsbach
July 26, 2009
To the Conlon Family and Friends and to those who Loved James,
It is when we lose a person like James, who in his short life has affected so many that we can see the example of a well-lived life. I am sorry for this sad occurence and wish for all our sorrow: comfort and understanding. Love is outside time and space-Eternal.
Gerald Beasley
July 26, 2009
I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of James's passing and I extend my sincerest sympathies to all of his family and friends. I was Avery Librarian at Columbia University from 2004 to 2008 and I knew James as an outstanding colleague, devoted to the good running and wellbeing of his unit, and a great ally and advisor on the projects we shared. He always spoke softly with clarity, sensitivity, and intelligence. I am sorry he has left us so early. At this difficult time, my sincerest condolences and prayers go to his family and close friends.
Michael Hutak, Jodi Thiessen
July 26, 2009
Condolences to the friends and family of James, and our deepest sympathy to Jacqui -- we're with you and here for you in this saddest of times. Lots of love, Jodi and Michael
Judy Underkofler
July 26, 2009
Phyllis and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of James' passing. There can be nothing worse than the loss of a child. I remember him as a sweet little boy - Mark's friend from nursery school through college. May fond memories ease your pain and give you comfort and peace
Linda Lowe
July 24, 2009
Hi Jacqs, although we are a long way away, just know that there are people in Auckland thinking of you and also of James' family at this sad time. Linda xox
July 24, 2009
My sympathy and conolences to James' family and friends. I only met him briefly when he visited with Tasha in SF, but he was a lovely person.
Lisa Jeli
July 24, 2009
My sympathy and conolences to James' family and friends. I only met him briefly when he visited with Tasha in SF, but he was a lovely person.
Linda Beebe
July 24, 2009
I enjoyed and admired James; he had enthusiasm, great communication skills and warmth that made him memorable. I have only met him a few times, but remember those conversations with great pleasure. My heart goes out to his parents and family and Jacqui for your tremendous loss.
Aaron Beebe
July 24, 2009
I've been friends with James for a long time, and he was among the most beautiful people I've ever known. We were lucky enough to have he and Jacqui at our wedding just a few months ago. My condolences and support to Jacqui and to James' family. It can't be easy to lose someone so wonderful.
Michele Risdal Barnes
July 24, 2009
James was truly a special individual who will be sorely missed. As a fellow Columbia graduate, I had the opportunity to travel to Yemen with James. It was a magnificent experience.
Lisa Kissinger
July 23, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the Conlon family. James was a remarkable man who touched many lives. He will be sorely missed and will remain an inspiration to many. My heart breaks for you all.
Lisa Ting
July 23, 2009
To the Conlon family
It was a pleasure to meet you this week, unfortunatly under such sad circumstances. I am so sorry for your loss. James was my fellow quiz team mate and he really carried the team - we would've never come 4th equal so many times without him on the team!
I thank you for your support of Jacqui - it really eased my mind that she was being comforted by such a wonderful family.
To Jacqui - Aunty Lisa is here for you.
Andrew Dunn
July 23, 2009
I worked for James at Columbia and will miss his leadership and friendly nature.
Anna Boozer
July 23, 2009
I knew and worked with James while I was a graduate student at Columbia. He was a wealth of knowledge and a great help to many of us. I am very sorry for your loss.
July 23, 2009
On behalf of myself and the American Institute for Yemeni Studies I want to extend my deepest sympathy to James' family and friends. I have known of James and his work since he first was awarded a fellowship by AIYS a decade ago for conservation analysis in the Amiriya reconstruction project in Yemen. Since that time AIYS has also supported succeeding campaigns of the Tarim Documentation project with which James has been deeply involved, and I have followed with admiration the development of his website reporting on that project. James was outstanding in his work, and he will be sorely missed by his colleagues as well as by his friends and family.
Through our office in Yemen we will make a donation to the Red Crescent Society to benefit the flood victims in Yemen, as requested by the family.
Maria deJ. Ellis
Executive Director, AIYS
Lucas Hendrich
July 23, 2009
So many things will never be the same without you. You were the person I aspired to be in many ways. I will miss you deeply. My deepest condolences to all who were lucky enough to know James, a great friend.
Lucy Conlon
July 22, 2009
I"ll always love my Uncle James, I wish he was still alive. At least he's with Solomon. :) :( He was a cool guy l loved when he talked about going to different places. Love Lucy <3
Martin Elsbach
July 22, 2009
I met James several times and appreciated the fine person that he was. His involvement in and passion for life was remarkable. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Judy O'Brien
July 22, 2009
Dear Phyllis and Michael, Meg and Sean, Am shocked...just returned home and heard the awful news. I'll be in touch...all my love and and whatever strength I can share with you, come with this...Judy O'B
Nancy Iwen
July 22, 2009
My Dear Sweet Phyllis,
I cannot imagine what you must be feeling at this time. My heart breaks with/for you. If there is anything you need please call. I'm here for you. With deepest and heartfelt sympathy...Nancy
July 22, 2009
Dear Entire Conlon Family,
I am sorry I can't be there in person to express my sincere symathies to all of you. James was a special guy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and James.
Love, Roger, Marlette, Charles and Martina Conti
vidya dehejia
July 22, 2009
A gentle soul, a warm and ever helpful individual, a valued colleague who was to have been part of my current NEH project -- I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with James on a regular basis. And I will miss immensely his quietly reassuring presence...
Vidya Dehejia
Goa, India
July 22, 2009
My thoughts are with you, Jacqui, on this very sad occasion. I am sorry that I did not have the chance to meet James as I know that he was a very special friend to you. Take comfort, too, that you have the support of your family and all your friends.
To James's parents and wider family, I offer my deepest sympathy. By all accounts, from reading the orbituary, James was an amazing person and his passing will be a great loss to all who knew him.
Thinking of you
Mavis Lowe (New Zealand)
Deepa Mehta
July 21, 2009
James served as an advisor to me as I trudged through my master's thesis at Columbia University. Though James advised me on the history of a particular region and offered me poignant academic guidance, what I came to value most was his intellectual perseverance and ability to bring a sense of universal connectedness and humanity to his seemingly distant subject matters.
James, through his genuine interest, patience, keen curiosity, and intellectual fervor, was able to look beyond the silo of singular disciplines and offer a web of solutions that spanned across subject matters. His talent, interests, and abilities have come to inspire and influence my own studies and intellectual pursuits.
James helped me become captivated by the art of doing good research - observing, reading, understanding, and investigating interdisciplinary fields in a thoughtful manner. That, to me, is the essence of a great teacher.
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." F. Scott Fitzgerald
My prayers are with James and his family.
Greg Osmun
July 21, 2009
Meg,
We are so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Osmun family
July 21, 2009
Our thoughts are with you Jacqui. We are saddened that we didn't get to meet James. I know your friends are rallying around you and that gives us some comfort.
David W (NZ)
Katherine Loizos
July 21, 2009
Sean and Deedy and the Conlon Family,
We are with so saddened by this news. Keeping our thoughts and prayers with you. We can only imagine how devastated you must feel. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Deepest sympathy--Love, Hamilton, Katherine, Sheila and Shiomara Gonzalez
Millie Royal
July 21, 2009
Phyllis,Micheal and all the family,having never lost a child,I cannot imagine what you must be going thru. Having known James only breifly,I knew he was a very intelligent young man like the rest of the family and it seems to have passed on to my grand daughter.I am very glad I had the privilege of meeting him and having such wonderful in-laws. Millie
Elizabeth Castaneda
July 21, 2009
To James' family and Our Dear Jacqui:
May all the great memories you have shared with James help
you through this sad time, knowing he has just moved to
a better place. With my deepest sympathy,
Elizabeth Castaneda (Jacquie's friend)
Ann Norcross
July 21, 2009
Phyllis, Michael, Meg, and Sean, I am so sad to hear of James' passing. I remember Jamie at family parties and cookouts, a handsome little boy with smiling eyes. Kathy and I send our deepest condolences to you and to Jacqui. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
July 21, 2009
Meg,
I was so sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Theresa (McCarthy) Taro
Christine Winterstein
July 20, 2009
Phyllis,
I cannot even imagine the sadness of losing Jim that you are going through. My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family.
I pray that you will find strength in the memories of Jim that will dwell in your heart forever.
My deepest condolences.
Christine Winterstein
Tim Curns
July 20, 2009
I didn't know him that well, but I did know that James was a brilliant, friendly, confident, and overall good person. His sudden passing has shocked and saddened us all. Thoughts and condolences to the entire family and close friends.
Leslie Sutcliffe
July 20, 2009
Meg,
My deepest sympathies for your sudden loss. You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers.
Leslie Sutcliffe
JM
July 20, 2009
I'm sorry for your loss.
You should have been very proud of him.
The world won't be the same without him.
Jeremy Rich
July 20, 2009
I was James' roommate at Indiana from 1996 to 1997. We remained good friends, although we lived far from each other. I sincerely wish you our all the best in this sad hour. He was a tremendous friend and had a brilliant, incisive mind.
Birgit Nicolaisen
July 20, 2009
Michael,
Our deepest sympathies on your loss. I don't have the words to express the emotions. Just that we are truly sorry and please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Birgit, David and Mikayla
Millie Fleischer
July 20, 2009
God knows the sadness you feel at losing Jim, who you loved so much. May His tender, loving touch help to ease your burden.
Praying for you in your sorrow and wishing you strength in the days ahead.
In sympathy,
Millie Fleischer
Mark Underkofler
July 20, 2009
Although I reconnected with James in Drama Club in High School and we ran in the same academic circles at the University of Rochester, my strongest memories of him are from our childhood. I vividly remember playing together with our Star Wars action figures. Though in later years, I called him James, in my mind, he was always "Jamie" to me.
My deepest condolences to his family.
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