Jim graduated from Ten Broeck Academy of Franklinville Central School and began working for Electrical Reactants Corp. in Franklinville; which later became Aerovox Corp. and relocated to Olean, NY. He served in the Untied States Army during the Korean War from 1952-54 as a radar repair technician. After his military service he returned to Aerovox Corp. and was assigned to its new Myrtle Beach, SC location.
Jim returned to the Southern-Tier to attend Alfred University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in business and economics in 1959. He was then employed by Acme Electric Corp. of Cuba before accepting a teaching position at Hinsdale Central School; where he taught English and Special Education while obtaining his Master of Science degree in education, guidance and school administration from St. Bonaventure University.
Jim began his career with the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) as Director of Educational Communications & Special Projects in 1966. He served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools until being appointed to the dual position of Chief Executive Officer of BOCES, and District Superintendent of Schools for the Cattaraugus, Allegany, Erie and Wyoming BOCES, from which he retired in 1994. He was responsible for the BOCES district which initially included 27 local school districts in Cattaraugus, Allegany, and southern areas of Erie and Wyoming counties.
Jim was innovative and passionate about developing the BOCES educational system, and was viewed as a dynamic leader among his peers. In addition to working with the NYS Department of Education in Albany, he particularly enjoyed the development of teaching programs and the BOCES facilities including Environmental Education Centers in Olean and Ellicotville.
Jim enjoyed carpentry, horticulture, helping others, and spending time with his family. In the community he was a member of the Cuba First Baptist Church, Cuba Memorial Hospital Board, Cuba Library and the Cuba Lions Club.
Surviving are his wife; three sons, Mark J. Cross of Rochester, NY, Guy M. Cross of Vancouver, BC, and Barry A. Cross of Geneseo, NY; his grandchildren Martin J. Cross, Daisy A. Cross, and Liam G. Cross; three sisters, Blanche "Bonnie" Babbitt of Delmar, NY, Jean Kent of Stafford, NY, and June Wallace of Olean, NY; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of Cuba, 17 South Street, Cuba NY. The Rev. Alexandra Freer will officiate.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Poelma Service Award Scholarship, c/o the First Baptist Church, 17 South Street, Cuba, NY 14727 or to the Cuba Circulating Library, 39 East Main Street, Cuba, NY 14727.
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