DEXTER-Jim Valentine, 79, of Dexter, NY, passed away in Sarasota, FL on February 15, 2022. Predeceased by his parents, George and Olive Valentine. Survived by his siblings, Jack (Brenda) Valentine, Judy (Paul) Gard, his best friend and wife, Marian Valentine (nee Montgomery), brother-in-law, Arnie (Sherry) Montgomery, children, Laura (Sean) Valentine, Karen (Marc) Fanara, Michele Valentine, Nick (Sheila) Cocilova, grandchildren, Torey, Jordan, Caitlin, Aubrey, Hunter, Lydia and George, as well as several nieces, nephews and many dear friends.
Jim was truly a lifelong learner, career educator and a fierce believer in the public school system and the power of education. He started out his career as a math teacher and went on to become the principal at Johanna Perrin Middle School in the Fairport Schools. Mr. Valentine mentored many teachers and administrators, and tutored countless children. He was always willing to sit down and help anyone with learning. In his retirement, he continued to be a strong advocate for books while serving on the Lyme Library Board in Chamount, NY. Throughout his life, he always enjoyed being a competitor, when he bowled, played cards or especially played golf. Coming home from a round of golf, Jim enjoyed sitting on his swivel chair on the deck looking out at the lake, reading good books, watching sports, and spending time with his dog, Maddy.
Calling Hours Wednesday April 6, 4-6PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Thursday April 7, 10 AM at St. Jerome’s Church, East Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Lyme Free Library P.O. Box 369 Chaumont, NY 13622.
Comments
22 responses to “Valentine, James (Jim)”
Dear Marian and family –
I am heartbroken to hear of Jim’s passing. I was so fortunate to have known Jim for so many years while growing up. He was a great friend to all along the shoreline, especially to my grandparents. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers, and that I send my love.
Tracey
Our deepest condolences to Marian and family,Jim was a great friend and neighbor, always had or made time for a greeting or conversation, he will be truly missed, rest in peace Jim.
Mr.Valentine was my math teacher for Trig and Math 12x at Gates-Chili High.when he first started teaching. He was an exceptionally great teacher who really made you want to learn as much as you could about your subject because he taught with so much enthusiasm and understanding of the subject. I am glad he got to enjoy some retirement years and I know he is going to be missed greatly. I extend my sympathy at this difficult time and encourage you to remember how much he added to other people’s lives I still remember him from 55 years ago!
Dear Marian and family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Jim on the golf course since his retirement. We played 3 or 4 mornings every week in the summer and had a lot of fun competing among our group of players and many great conversations.He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, Although I did not know him long, you have both been heavy on my heart for weeks. Praying for peace.
I’m so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. I’ll always remember how friendly, generous, and kind Jim was to me as a young kid mowing lawns (especially when my weedwacker would run out of string or gas and he would lend me his electric one). I’ll always look back on those times fondly. Thinking of all your family and friends during this difficult time, and hoping you find some comfort when remembering what a positive impact Jim had on the people around him.
I had the pleasure of knowing. Jim as a friend and golfing buddy for many years. He was a true gentleman who was always ready give someone else praise and to share his golf cart. I really appreciated his opinions on politics, sports and life in general. We are all sad that he left us so early. I hope he is enjoying beautiful fairways and lush greens. He will be missed.
I can’t forget the fun the Saturday foursome–Jim, Wally. Dave and Jim Dash had so long ago.. Losing Jim V. has broken my heart. Marian, I am so sorry and send my sympathy to you and the whole family. Much love, Marge
I am sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was a good friend and colleague while teaching at Gates Chili. As a friend we shared many good times together. Jim always had a competitive spirit, whether it was a pickup game of basketball, golf or bowling. He was a lot of fun and missed when he left Gates Chili. During his teaching career at Gates Chili, Jim was an extraordinary math teacher of the higher math curriculum, Jim was well respected by his students as well as the teachers at Gates. My thoughts and prayers are for Jim, Marian and Family.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and I were good friends during his teaching career at Gates Chili. We shared many, many good times together as teachers and friends. Jim will be remembered as a very competitive spirit, whether it was a pickup basketball game, golf or just betting on a sports event. He loved his parlays. Jim was an extraordinary math teacher of the higher math curriculum. He was well respected by his students and fellow teachers. My thoughts and prayers will be for Jim, Marian and Family. RIP Jim.
Marian and family, we were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I enjoyed all of my years working under him at MD and all the years at JP. He wasn’t just my boss, but was a great friend. We mourn his loss, and you are assuredly in our prayers. Bob and Donna Buckert
I was so sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Valentine. He was my Math teacher at Gates-Chili. Even after 55 years, I remember him as one of my best teachers. My condolences to his family
I met Jim while student teaching at Gates Chili, later when he came to MD. We worked in various ways together for the rest of my career At FHS. I kept in touch after we both retired through our Chaumont connection. I always considered him to be a great school leader and a friend. RIP Jim.
I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was a friend and mentor during my time at Gates Chili. He always made the Math Department meeting enjoyable. My thoughts and prayer go out to all his family
I am so very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I will truly miss our visits at the Salon. We had many great conversations of family and friends. He was a honorable man. True blue!! Rest In Peace my friend. Marion my heart aches for your loss?
Dear Marian and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
We were very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We worked together at Gates Chili . He was well liked by the students and staff alike. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for peace and comfort are with the Valentine family. Marian and children, I pray that God holds you in the palm of His hands.??
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing and send our condolences to his family. You are all in our prayers.
To Jim’s family: While I knew Jim socially , my late wife Donna worked for him for 10 years at JP. They had a rewarding relationship. I am sorry to read of Jim’s passing but take comfort, as I hope you do, in his very productive time on this earth. Blessings be to all who carry on his significant legacy of public service. Phil
Carol and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of time spent with Jim! Like basketball with the guys while the ladies played volleyball (at MD), playing on a baseball team with Jim, building a deck on his house in Fairport and another on the (original) cottage on the lake, all the good times working with him at MD, and we are grateful that he talked Carol into subbing for math, which kept her in Tier I! I remember the kids especially respecting him when they were sent to his office because they said “At least he will listen to you and let you tell your side, even though you will probably still get the same punishment.” He was a great principal to work under, as well as being a good friend. We will miss him! Tom and Carol Wawrzycki
Our sincere condolences go out to all the Valentine Family. Principal Valentine (Jim) was an amazing educator and loved by all at Johanna Perrin Middle School. My daughters and I were most fortunate to have known him in the neighborhood as well on our drive. He was always a professional. He showed great leadership, patience and kindness to us. He would be coming home and wave to us as he headed down the street. We feel very honored to have known such a kind and caring gentleman. He will always be remembered with great fondness and admiration. Very sorry for your loss.