Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1944
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
James Fey Obituary
Ithaca - Dr. James W. Fey of Waverly, formerly of Ithaca passed away at Cayuga Medical Center surrounded by close friends and family on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at the age of 73. Jim was born in Canastota, New York on November 22, 1944, a son of the late Horace C. and Rena (Williams) Fey. As the youngest in his dental school class at the prestigious Pennsylvania University, Jim earned his nickname Rook. Following dental school, Jim served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1972. Soon after his service he returned to New York and established his residence in Trumansburg. Jim was a staple of both Ithaca and Trumansburg as he operated simultaneous practices in both locations. He was an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast who frequented Cornell Hockey games. He served a number of years as the President of Trumansburg's Board of Education and was also a valued member of the Trumansburg Rotary Club. Dr. Fey was a philanthropist who along with his wife Kathryn have been instrumental in several volunteer organizations to include the Dream Factory and Smiles For Life. During his free time, Jim could be found either golfing, or traveling with his wife and friends. Always the life of the party, Jim will be remembered as a true friend to a multitude of people. He was always good for a joke and had that special kind of personality that made it easy to adore his company. He may be best remembered as the man with a glass of gin and olives in one hand, a cigar in the other, and a larger than life smile on his face. Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn Fey; his three children, Matthew (Ambra) Fey, Lauren G. Fey, and Joel J. (Heather) Fey; 10 grandchildren, Jakob, Kenna, Sawyer, Reeder, Avery, Bela, Jackson, Jazmyne, Kaden, and Kendyl; brother, John D. (Patricia) Fey; step children, Nathan (Blaire) Constable, Amber Constable, and Rodney (Kimberly) Constable; four step grandchildren, Makayla, Callahan, Cecelia, and Parker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Fey; and parents, Horace and Rena Fey. A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at the Hillendale Golf Course located at 218 Applegate Road North, Ithaca NY on August 4, 2018 at 5:00pm.In lieu of flowers, the family asks those to make a donation in Jim's memory to the Dream Factory of Central New York, PO Box 4431, Ithaca, NY 14852. For additional information please contact the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home at 1-888-534-5446 or www.ness-sibley.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Fey
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
h katharine hunter
July 17, 2023
still missing dear dr fey....sigh
MaryAnn Smpson
July 17, 2022
Oh my he is still dearly missed. Sending good wishes of comfort to the family. Grief never ends.
Elayne Weiner
August 23, 2018
Devastated to hear of Dr. Fey's passing, He was my dentist for the past four years and he helped me tremendously with issues that I had. Somewhere along the line, I'm glad I told him that he was my dentist...he was not only a superior doctor but a very very kind and intelligent man. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and his wonderful employees. I am deeply saddened.
Chris, Lisa, Cam and Jeremy Pate
August 7, 2018
Our family is so saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Fey. Our kids have been seeing him since their first dentist appointments and our family is appreciative of the care and kindness we've always received at his office. Our sympathies to his family and friends.
Barb Bates
August 5, 2018
So sad to hear that Dr. Fey had passed away.. he was a great dentist and so down to earth. My husband works with Joel and when I found out I was heartbroken that I will not have him for a dentist anymore!
Jean Heide
August 3, 2018
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Dr Fey's passing. I was his assistant from 1978 to 1981. My husband was a student at Cornell and I felt so fortunate that Dr Fey hired me. He was always so kind and generous to me and had such a great sense of humor. I truly hated to leave at the end of those four years. I will always be grateful for the experience of working for him.
My thoughts go out to his family at this time.
Jean Heide Fairview, NC.
Sandra DeCocker
August 3, 2018
We met Jim a few times at Kathy's Mom's house. What a nice guy. So sorry to hear the sad news of his passing just five days after her Mom. He will be missed.
H Katharine Hunter
August 2, 2018
I had a message on my phone a few days ago and did not understand the message and just replayed it again and again today to finally understand and then to let it sink in that this could have happened...then I came to the obituaries...and see that it is true...I do not want to believe this... I have only been here for just barely 5 years and he was my first medical professional at the recommendation of Kristen Alhness... i am VERY SAD.... very sad... and sorry for those who share their lives on a personal level with him... I know they shall miss him dearly... I have told so many people about him... I miss you Dr. Fey.... love
August 1, 2018
Jim was a good dentist and a wonderful man. I almost looked forward to our semiannual visits,and always left with a smile on my face.
Jim Fogel
Chris and Alice Holtkamp
July 27, 2018
We were saddened to hear of Dr. Fey's sudden passing. He was a good dentist, a wonderful person and a great soul. We always had a good laugh with him on our visits. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family and his other family in his office.
Fern Morgan
July 26, 2018
Wow..WOW again . I just returned to Ithaca last week after being gone for more than 30 years. Dr. Fey's office was one of my idol's to revisit. One of the first men I ever loved. REAL TALK, as a child I was PETURFIED of a dentist. Dr. Fey took away all my dental fears and made me so very comfortable. He was the most caring and gentlest man I have ever met. He has enriched my life in so many ways to him I am so appreciative and grateful to have had him in my life's journey. SADDENED...
Jeanine Hok
July 26, 2018
I am so sad and shocked to hear about Rook. I had the privilege of working with him for many years and knew him as a wonderful, generous man and a friend to everyone. Our deepest sympathy to Kate, Matt, Lauren , Joel and all the other people he loved as family .
Jody McCoy-Woods
July 25, 2018
My condolences to Dr. Fey's family. He accepted my dental anxiety and made me feel so comfortable that I forgot to be afraid. He genuinely cared for the well-being of his patients and it showed through his gentle demeanor and chair side personality. Would also like to pass my condolences on to his office staff whom I am sure are deeply saddened over this loss as well.
Valerie H
July 24, 2018
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Dr. Fey's death. I recall coming in to his office for a dreaded dental procedure and telling him I'd made a relaxing "dentist's chair" playlist and wanted to listen to it using my earphones. Not only did he not object -- he played the songs throughout the office suite for the duration of my visit. Thank you Dr. Fey, you are already missed! Valerie
Nancy Pagliaro
July 24, 2018
Dr. Fey was a great dentist, as well as a kind gentleman. He had a wonderful sense of humor and put everyone at ease. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to his family. Paul and Nancy
July 24, 2018
Jim was a great dentist and person. He will be missed at the dentistry and Hillendale Golf Course.
MaryAnn Simpson
July 24, 2018
I am so saddened by the passing of Dr. Fey. I was his patient for over 35 years. He always had a smile and genuine concern for his patients. I will miss everything about him...his expertise, his wit and his care. Condolences to his family and his staff.
NICK NARDI
July 24, 2018
My condolences to the Fey family. Doc was a wonderful person and dentist. He would always make me smile with his quick wit when I came to the office. I believe he truly cared about his patients both professionally and personally. He will surely be missed, may he RIP.
Steve Carver
July 24, 2018
I am so sad to hear this. Dr. Fey was an incredibly nice man, and I was an appreciative patient of his for years. A great loss.
Cheryl Burruss
July 24, 2018
My sincere condolences to Dr. Fey's family and friends. The first dentist who eased my fear of going to the dentist...
Yvonne Capogrossi
July 23, 2018
Ted and I are saddened to hear of Dr. Fey's passing. He helped me as a patient to overcome the fear of dental work. Dr. Fey had a way to put everyone at ease. We will miss him.
Kristine Guidi
July 23, 2018
Very saddened to hear of Dr. Fey's passing. He was such a kind man who could always make you smile. My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Tanis Furst
July 23, 2018
So shocked to learn of Dr. Fey's passing! He was such a lovely man (almost made going to the dentist a pleasure), and IMO a very fine dentist in whom one could place one's trust. My condolences to Mrs. Fey and the Fey family...thinking of you.
July 23, 2018
Surprised and so sorry. Best wishes for a gentle grief to your family. Your former neighbor, Irene Komor
Gwen Spizz
July 23, 2018
I am still in shock after hearing of this sudden and tragic loss for Dr. Fey's family and friends, and for all of us that had the pleasure of seeing him at least twice a year. Dr. Fey became my dentist in 2002 when I first moved to Ithaca and after knowing him now for 16 years, I am truly saddened by his untimely and sudden passing. I will miss his kindness, his smile, and of course, his humor. My deepest condolences go out to Kate, his family, and everyone who worked with him for so many years in his office. Sending so much love and hugs. I am so very, very sorry.
Suzanne Phillips
July 23, 2018
I will miss Dr. Fey... He always had a smile and made me very comfortable...
Nancy Robbins
July 23, 2018
I will miss Dr. Fey. We started going to him in 1972!
He was always so kind and competent.
John Pearson
July 23, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to Doc's friends and family. He was a fun loving and generous man who will be sorely missed.
July 23, 2018
Dr. Fey will be greatly missed. He was so good to my entire family. He truly was a great one.
-Debbie Ryan
Fred Jackson
July 23, 2018
My condolences to Kate & family, RIP Jim. Jim was one of the good guys, he always had a kind word. He will be truly missed.
Prayers for James's family. Walt and I fished with Jim and Kathyrin in Dominican Republic. Our condolences.
June & Walt Smithers of Ithaca, NY
July 23, 2018
Julie and Brad Newhouse
July 23, 2018
Not only was Dr. Fey a wonderful dentist who cared for our entire family, he was a kind and caring person. We will miss him, and we send our condolences to his family and friends.
Fred Jackson
July 23, 2018
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing ,RIP Jim. My condolences to Kate & family. Jim was truly one of the good guys, he will be missed. Many fond memories.
Tom Pearson
July 23, 2018
We all lost a great one! Jim put smiles on peoples faces being a dentist and smiles in their hearts being a great jokester. Jim will be missed everyday. R.I.P. Pal!
Alan and Nancy Pedersen
July 23, 2018
We are both so very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful, warm, funny and caring man who will be greatly missed by so many. He touched so many people with his warmth and sense of humor. We are honored to have been among his many friends.
With our deepest sympathy,
Eileen Cooper
July 23, 2018
This man cured my deep-seated "fear of the dentist". He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in James Fey's name
Memorial Events
for James Fey
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Fey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
