James Walter Cone

James Walter Cone (Jim), 88, was born June 24, 1936 to the late Charles and Loretta Dowling Cone.  He passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024 in Irving, Texas, with his daughter Kristeen and Samantha Sue by his side.   His beloved, Dianne M Cone, preceded him in death by 3 months to the day.  They were happily married for 63 years and she was “his bride” until his last breath.

Jim was born in Clinton, New York and was an athlete from the beginning.  He could play any sport but showed early prowess as a hockey player.  As a member of the Clinton Devil Dogs, at age 9 he played at Madison Square Garden.  (Loss 1-4).  His memorabilia is displayed at the Clinton Historical Society celebrating those halcyon days. The Cone family relocated to Alexandria Bay, New York where Jim graduated high school.  With his brother and sisters, he ran the River, played sports, hunted and fished, and most importantly, met the love of his life, Dianne Singer.

He served in the United States Air Force for four years, travelling from Goose Bay, Labrador to Fort Worth, Texas, making life-long friends along the way.  He returned to New York and married Dianne in 1960.  Jim had few regrets in his life, but he did always wish that he had completed his studies at St Lawrence University.  His passion for education he instilled in his daughters, Cynthia and Kristeen.  He supported his family as a sales representative for Paul DeLima Coffee and then MHP.  His sales contacts led to friendship that stood the test of time.  For 50 years, the “Jones Bunch” traveled, boated, golfed and hunted throughout the country, those times with great friends were always Jim’s most precious memories.

Jim and Dianne made their home is Central Square since 1963.  He served as a Past Commander of the American Legion Post 915 and was thrilled to travel to Washington DC on a recent Honor Flight to commemorate his service to our country.  He also obtained his designation as a 5th degree Knight of Columbus during his last decade. 

Jim made friends everywhere he went, “Cone, like an ice cream cone.”  He was a sweet guy.  Whether you were a neighbor who needed a tool, or sitting by the fire listening to jazz, or helping to refinishing flooring, he was all in to help.  He will be missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Giamichael (Phil) and Kristeen Marie Parr.  Also, his three sisters, Suzanne Pfister (Russ), Mary Alice (Max) Cullen and Kathy Popple (Steve).  Jim is predeceased by his brother, Charles. His grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth Parr and William James Marshall Parr will carry their loving memories of their “PopPop Jim” forever. 

Visitation hour will be Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 9am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Divine Mercy Parish, 592 S Main Street., Central Square, New York at 10am, Celebrated by the Reverend Christopher Seibt. Graveside services will be held,12pm (noon) at St Mary’s Cemetery, 200 St Mary’s Avenue, Clinton, New York.

The family cannot begin to express the depth of our gratitude to Nascentia Health Care, Hospice Care, Bradley Jones, MD and our neighborhood “family” of Pleasant Avenue, for the care and support over theses past two years. 

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”   - Psalms 23:4.

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