Hemlock, NY: Jim passed peacefully at his home on June 21, 2020 at age 85. He was born on June 27, 1934 in Rochester, New York to the late Kenneth and Grace (Grimsone) Slocum. Predeceased by his brother Robert Slocum and infant sister Linda Slocum. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly (Miller) Slocum and son Dwight (Patty) Slocum of Canadice; grandchildren, Margaret and Jacob Slocum; brothers, Kenneth H. Slocum and Gilbert Roy (Jenene) Slocum; sister-in-law Myrna Slocum, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
Jim lived in Pittsford, NY until 1942 and later moved to Lima, NY. He attended a one room school house on Clover Street for two years and attended Pittsford High School for one year. The family moved to Lima, when he was in the fourth grade, on a farm of 70 acres and it was his first experience working on a farm. Rose Eagen was his teacher at that time. Jim graduated from Lima High School in 1953. During the summer of 1952 and 1953 he worked for a contractor in Henrietta, building national homes. In September of 1953 he went to Morrisville College for two years and majored in agriculture. He graduated in June 1955 and during the summer went back to building national homes. In September of 1955 he enlisted in the US Army along with his classmate Maurice Andrews. They took 8 weeks of basic training in Fort Dix, and then went to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for 8 more weeks in the Corp of Engineers, was then shipped to Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he spent the rest of his three years in the Combat Engineers during the tail end of the Korean Conflict. After he was discharged in 1958, he came home and married his wife after 8 years of chasing. After he got married, they moved to Hemlock into a house that was built in the early 1900’s, remodeled it over the years and lived there till he passed.
In Hemlock Jim started to work for the local lumber yard, Bernhardt Lumber He also worked for 3M Company in Honeoye, worked for Ridge Construction, and then started his own construction company, building custom homes, remodeling, and timber column buildings for Agway. He built many homes in the Livonia, Lima, and Geneseo communities. After retiring from building he went to work as a construction consultant, clerk of the works on schools and commercial projects including Livonia School, York School, two schools in the Greece School District, many bridges in New York State and roads in Buffalo and Livingston County.
Jim got involved with Hemlock Fair Association as Superintendent of horse drawn vehicles and was asked to take over as President in 1972 and was president until 2007. During that time he started to go to the state convention in Syracuse and got involved to the point that he was asked to get in line to be president. He became president in 1989 of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and still serves on the Board of Directors. Jim and some other members got the convention moved to the Rochester Convention Center from Syracuse and it is still held there every January. There he was in charge of the trade show with the help of a good friend of the Hemlock Fair Board, until January 2019 when he gave it up. He was inducted into the Associations Hall of Fame in 2010. He also received the Hardee’s Achievement Award in Las Vegas from the International Association of Fairs and Expos. He was still Chairman of the Board of the Hemlock Fair.
He joined the Livonia Rotary in 1972, served as president from 1979-1981 and served on many committees. Jim was the exchange officer for Denmark for years, received the Rotarian of the Year Award in 1985, the Lifetime Achievement award in 1994, had twenty years perfect attendance and was still an active member.
He started his Masonic career in DeMolay and in 1953 he joined the Masonic Lodge in Lima, New York, Union Lodge #45. He Served as Master in 1989 and was Secretary of the Lodge for 18 years. He was Grand Sword Bearer for the Livingston District for the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Jim received the James E. Lee Award for Masonic Achievement, and served as President and Secretary Treasure of the Grand Lodge Officers of the Livingston District. He joined the Scottish Rite Consistory and became a 32 Degree Mason and has received the DSA Award (Blue Cap) and the MSA Award (Red Cap) in the Scottish Rite. After he became a 32 Degree Mason he was asked to join the Damascus Shriners in Webster. Jim served the Shrine as Recorder for several years. Within the Shrine he joined many clubs and units where he was President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Canandaigua Shrine Club, and Commander of the Damascus Legion of Honor. He also served as Commander of the New York Ontario Shrine Legion of Honor and he was an honorary member of the Livonia Fire Department. He received a plaque and a $500.00 check from the Hardees Restaurant chain through the International Association of Fairs and Expos for outstanding involvement in the (IAF&E.) Jim dedicated his life to volunteerism and serving others.
His true joy was his family, his wife Bev, son Dwight, and he adored his grandchildren Jacob and Margaret.
Friends and family may call on Saturday, July 11th, from 12noon-2pm at the Hemlock Fair Grounds (Jim’s second home), 7370 Water Street, Hemlock, NY where his Memorial Service will be held at 2pm, following calling hours. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Livonia, NY with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Hemlock Fair Association, PO Box 263, Hemlock, NY 14466 or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
*Please note, the fair grounds/event building will be operating at 25% capacity per state guidelines. The guidelines still require those in attendance adhere to the guidelines including those related to social distancing and face coverings.
Bev, Dwight and family. We were sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Bill has known him for years through the Masons and Livonia has enjoyed Jim in his many endeavors through his many organizations. I worked with Jim the years I did the Hemlock Fair and he had always been a big part of the Fair. Our prayers are with you all, special guy.
Jimmy was a life-long family friend. He lived his life in service to others, and his passing will leave a void in so many areas: the Hemlock Fair, Rotary, the Masons, just to name a few. I will cherish the woodworking pieces I have from him in my home: a shadow box that he made for our son, and a wooden jewelry box, stamped with his name. Bev and Dwight, we wish you peace and comfort. Jimmy was a very special man, and he will be missed by so many.
~Cheryl, John, Meg & Brendan
Jimmy was a lifelong family friend. He spent his life in service of others, and his passing will leave a void in so many areas: the Hemlock Fair, Rotary, the Masons, just to name a few. I will treasure his beautiful woodworking pieces that I have in my house: the Eagle Scout shadow box that he made for my son, and the jewelry box that is stamped with his name. Bev, Dwight, Patty, Margaret and Jake- we wish you peace as you endure the loss of your wonderful Papa. ~The Lavery Family
Not much left to say. It’s all been said by his many friend’s. I mostly knew Jim in the Legion of Honor, and Damascus Shrine. You couldn’t escape his greeting and smile when he spotted you. More importantly, no matter where or when he knew your name, first and last. Sad to have such a man called away because we will miss him.
To the Slocum Family: Jim was a great friend and wealth of knowledge of the fair industry. It was my pleasure to know him and work with Jim on many committees through the state. Most recently the Library and Records committee and the Little Red Wagon Parade at the convention. I am sure he will be missed by his family and the fair community.
Bev, So sorry to here of Jim passing. Great person always helping others.He will be missed.
Dear Bev, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May you find comfort in the many sweet memories of your life together. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Ann and Bob Thompson
Bless you James Slocum, Good friend of our family
Bev and family so sorry for your loss. We so loved Jim. Over the years we have gained so much from Jim about life and about the fair. He is the reason Michele joined the fair board. He showed us how devoted he was no matter what the odds were. He was truly one of the Greatest men we knew and loved. RIP Jim.
To Bev and family:
Jim had a way of putting his all into every organization or group that he was a member. He was a true gentleman and had an endearing manner to share with everyone he met. He truly will be missed and right now he is most likely meeting with the Angels. We both send sincere sympathy to all of you.
To Bev and family: Jim had a way of adhering himself to all that knew him. A wonderful gentleman who truly got involved in any group or organization he was was a member. Right now he has to be mingling with the angels! A true loss to all who knew him. Our deepest sympathy to all of the Slocum family from both of us. Marlene and Jeff Arnold
Sweet memories come to mind, which I’d long forgotten…Joining Jim, Bev and Dwight, as Jim worked the local rodeos & catching pollywogs and toads in the crick bordering their property, Jim always with a quiet smile. Rest easy in God’s embrace Jim.
im so sorry for your loss
Bev and family, our deepest sympathies to you at this sad time! May he rest in peace and take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place and watching over you and your family. He may be gone but certainly not forgotten!
Bev my heartfelt condolences and a huge hug are surrounding you. I enjoyed so much seeing him and working with him at the Hemlock Fair. He was such a strong spirited but gentle soul. I am proud to say I knew him. May God Bless and keep you!! Tons of love!!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bev and Dwight and family.
A mighty oak has fallen with his passing. Condolences from the brothers of Avon Springs (Masonic) Lodge # 570. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
God Bless You Jim
Bev, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing… he was such a sweet man. I loved talking with him at his dental visits…truly a gentle soul and a very giving man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barb West
My condolences to Jim’s family, may God guide you through this difficult time.
So sorry to hear about Jim! He was a great cuy. Very knowledgeable and a todo friend!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bev, Dwight and family through this difficult time.
Sally, Jim and Holly Johnson
My sincere condolences to you Bev & Dwight. He gave his all to every adventure in his life. We will miss him.
Kevin Masterson
Bev so sorry for you and your family’s loss. If you need anything just call. Marty and Sheila
Sorry for Jim’s passing. I worked Hemlock Fair as a Deputy and then as Sgt in charge and was a great pleasure to work with Jim. I talked to him several times over the past years and enjoyed our talks. Very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He and my Dad (Tony Gerace) were good friends working hard together for the Hemlock Fair. I truly miss those days and so enjoyed their friendship. My son, Aaron, and I are thinking Bev and the entire family and will keep them in our prayers.
Very sorry to hear this news… I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers..
A truly amazing Gentleman and Friend and always gave more than he received he has earned his seat in Heaven a dozen times over he will be sadly missed by his family and friends in Livingston County as well as this State.
Bev, Dwight and family I am so sorry for your loss I have known Jim all my life and he was truly a GREAT man who did so much for so many. HE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED!