WATERTOWN, NY — Sterling F. “Jim” Campaney, 86, of Watertown, passed away Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 in the emergency room of the Samaritan Medical Center.
A prayer service will be 10:15 am Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home followed by an 11 am funeral Mass at Holy Family Church, Winthrop St., with Rev. Steven Murray officiating. Spring burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Huntington St.
Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.
Jim is survived by his wife Stella; two sons and their wives, James (Carolyn) Campaney, Denver, CO, Andrew (Fiona) Campaney, Watertown; three daughters Barbara Campaney, Lexington, KY, Catherine (Levon) Olguin, Denver, CO, Sara (Thomas) Glausier, Fillmore, CA; 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by a brother Robert and a nephew Robert.
He was born September 7, 1932 in Watertown, a son to Sterling and Ida Campaney. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1951. Following graduation, he served with the US Air Force from October of 1952 until his honorable discharge in October of 1956. Jim met his wife Stella Lockyer in Nottingham, UK while he was stationed in England. They married April 27th, 1957 at Holy Family Church in Watertown.
Mr. Campaney worked for Knowlton Bros. for 17 years. He later went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers on Fort Drum for many years retiring in 1992.
Jim was a musician, playing several instruments, and formed his own band the “Ragtime Trio Plus Three”, playing in the area for many years. He was a longtime member of Holy Family Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.
