After a decades-long battle with cancer, James Michael Sheehan of Livonia passed suddenly but peacefully at 2:50pm on Saturday, June 19, at the age of 70 with his family by his side.
Born in Warsaw, Jim started out working on the family farm and for the family school bus company before taking a job at Westinghouse in Attica. In 1985, he started as a Corrections Officer with the NYS Department of Corrections and worked his way up to retire as a Lieutenant in 2010. During his career, he sometimes had to work downstate and when he did he would find a Catholic church; he said going to mass would make wherever he was feel like home. He was a parishioner of St. Matthew’s Church in Livonia.
Throughout his long battle with cancer, he was brave and positive, inspiring his family as he faced treatments, tests, and procedures. His family hopes to borrow his strength. He made a point of knowing all the names of all his nurses and doctors; he would ask about their families or their sports teams. They all loved his smile.
Jim was the very best friend and husband of 47 years to his wife, Judy (nee Werner) Sheehan. His children aspire to his relationship with Judy and the love between them. He was a devoted father and grandfather who was never happier than when he was around his family: his three loving children, Annie (Jamie) Parry, Michael (Mary) Sheehan, and Paul, and his seven grandchildren, James, Jacob, Emily, Isabel, Matthew, Beatrice, and Finnegan. He wanted his grandkids around all the time and they wanted to be around him because he made them feel they were perfect exactly as they are. He never missed their volleyball, softball, baseball games, or swim meets; their plays, academic events, recitals, and dances. They all carry his commitment to family, his work ethic, and they all tell his jokes and stories.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Evelyn Sheehan, and his brother Tom and sister Mary. He is survived by four brothers, John (Jackie), Kevin (Mary), George (Jade), Carl (Jean), and two sisters, Kathy Ackerman and Joan Kibler, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
He was a lifelong Yankees fan. He was so funny and redefined “patriarch” as a goofball who radiates love. He was the perfect combination of generous and kind and wickedly mischievous. His large heart and sense of humor were an inspiration to many. Our loss is devastating, but it’s hard not to smile just thinking about him. There’s more to say, endless things to say, but we are so grateful that he lives on through the love he gave his family. We all wish we were as great as we were in his (often embellished) stories.
Family and friends are welcome to call at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home 21 Big Tree Street, Livonia NY 14487. Friday June 25, 2021 3-6PM. Jim’s Funeral Mass will be held Saturday June 26, 2021 in St. Matthews’s Catholic Church 6591 Richmond Mills Road at 10:00AM. Jim’s Internment will be held privately at a later date in St. Vincent’s cemetery, Attica NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
To share a memory or condolence visit www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
There’s just too much that i could say about my grandfather. I spent the first 20 years of my life making stories with him and i could spend the next 20 telling those stories. He was, still is, and always will be my greatest role model. I’ll carry him with me for the rest of my life.
My Grandpa told me the story of the day I was born, and the first time he saw me every year on my birthday, he would talk to me about and even listen to music I liked even though we had VERYYYYY different taste. Once he had a safari hat on and I told him i liked it so he bought me a matching one so we could “be twins”. He was always supportive of us and I will miss his bright energy.
Our hearts go out to you Judy and all of your family, Mary & Kevin and all of the Sheehan & Werner families for your loss. As I read through the lovely tributes,
Jim will no doubt be missed and forever bring joy to your hearts. God bless,
Our sympathy cousin Luann & Mike.
Jim was a Father, a Mentor, and a Friend. My deepest condolences to Judy and all the rest of the Family.
I had the pleasure to work with Jim at Livingston Correctional Facility. My condolences to Judy and the family. He was a wonderful man and provided a good example to those around him. My family will keep him in our thoughts and prayers
Had he just been any other acquaintance, it still would’ve been an honor to know him. But I was fortunate enough to have him as my father. He had a great and intelligent sense of humor to immediately size up any situation and mine it for comedy routines. Whenever he would come in with a smirk on his face (returning from a store, or an errand, or any situation, really), you just knew he’d have a funny story to tell about his absence. He was also extremely generous, loving, kind, clever, and strong. He was a great man and I aspire to be like him in as many ways as I can. His sudden passing is an injustice, as he should have lived forever. But I’m incredibly grateful for the time I had with him. We’ll get by now with the strength he gave us, the things he taught us, and the great memories we have. I love you, Dad.
There’s so much to say about my Dad, and so much that I will miss. He was a huge part of my life and my kids’ lives and every time we said goodbye, he told my kids, “Remember kids, tomorrow is ‘Be good to Mothers Day'”. He spent time every morning finding the perfect picture or joke to send his grandkids to brighten their day. He was never happier than when he could help them with something, or teach them a new skill. All of our lives are richer because of his love. Thank you, Dad, for everything.
One time we were going through the McDonald’s drive through and grandpa ordered a lemonade when we pulled away he tried to take a sip he then said “hey my straw doesn’t work!” when i looked over i realized that he was still wearing his mask so he didn’t get any lemonade. It was the moments like these when he made people laugh that touched so many people’s hearts. He will be immeasurably missed by everyone that had the pleasure of getting to know him.
I don’t remember meeting grandpa for the first time, because he has been in my life since the first few days. He’s always been a constant part of my life. I can’t count the memories I have of him, but I do know that he never failed to make me laugh. Even now, when I remember some silly catchphrase of his, I can’t help but laugh. I’ll miss him and his sense of humor. But I expect he’ll continue to make me laugh for a very long time.
Jim an I worked many years at Livingston, as Jim was my Lieutenant many a shift … He was the definition of firm, fair , and consistent but had a funny side that’s second to none .
Jim will be missed no doubt but his memory will last a lifetime ..
Sorry for your loss Judy and family, my condolences.
My deepest sympathy goes out to The family of John . And healing and strength for Judy and the children .May God whatch over them .
I had the pleasure of working with Jim at Livingston CF. He was always a gentleman and well respected by all. I pray that memories of happy times provide some comfort to Judy and the rest of the family during this time of sorrow. God Bless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sheehan family. God bless you and may it bring comfort in knowing that he will be always be walking beside you.
Joe and Donna Brooks
My heartfelt condolences to you, Judy, on the loss of a fine man! May God bring you much love and comfort from family and friends. Love, Sandie Gallagher
I remember watching Grandpa play chess. Whenever he won, he would yell “Bangarang!!” and if he lost, he would yell “Gul Darn it!” Words cannot describe how much I will miss him, and all of his phrases.
Judy and Jim, great folks, sorry to hear.
Jim was a true inspiration to us all, he put up such a courageous battle with cancer. So proud to have him be a member of our family! Our love and prayers go out to Judy, Annie, Mike, Paul, and all the grandchildren. We will miss him so much! Stan and Donna Willey
Jim, we talked about the Lord Jesus many times and you showed your faith repeatedly. A truly good man and excellent co worker. Hope to see you again. Judy so sorry for the great loss. Yo are in our prayers.
Love bill and Laura Hallowell
His sense of humor and kind heart made him stand apart. He was a great boss. He was loved.
Sending prayers to you Judy and your family! He will forever be in your heart Your cousin Nancy
I remember one time when Jim owned that GMC jimmy. I think it was the first 4WD in the family. I was a little kid. I asked him what would happen if you put it in reverse in 4WD. He told me with a straight face that the truck would pull itself apart with the front wheels going forward and the back wheels going in reverse. I believed that for quite a while too. He was quite the jokester.
I am so glad heshared himselffully with. His family.he will continue to make you laugh for many years..he was much loved and he loved you all much
Love and prayers for you Judy and all your family. As your Aunt Helen would say “God Bless You All Real Good”.
Without a doubt, one of the very best guys I’ve ever worked with. Jim was all business when he needed to be, but a funny guy with a great sense of humor and never a bad word against anyone. I’m honored to have known and worked with Jim over the years, my thoughts, prayers and condolences to Judy, family and his many friends. “It goes without saying” He will be sadly missed.
Condolences to Judy and the Sheehan family. It was a honor to have worked with Jim. Just a great guy. Scott Dean
I worked with Jimmy at two different facilities and considered him to be a great and loving man. He was a friend that I often thought of since my retirement. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sending love and prayers to all the Sheehan Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man and we were honored to get to know him.
Tom and Teri Woo