HORNELL-James Houghtaling, Jr., 83 of County Route 70A, the Big Creek Road, passed away early Monday morning (Dec. 28, 2015) at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa.
Born in Binghamton on Aug. 20, 1932, he was the son of the late James “Pete” and Laura Houghtaling. On Feb. 21, 1953 he was married to the former Mary Jane Russell, who predeceased him on Feb. 28, 2010 after 57 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his son, Terry Houghtaling and his sister, Elnora Rose.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Jim was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1950 and was also a graduate of Alfred State College, class of 1952.
Jim proudly served his country as a Sergeant with the 27th Armored Infantry of the Hornell Armory from 1950-1964.
He was employed for several years at the former Erie Railroad Shops in Hornell and later joined the Teamsters Union and worked for various construction companies, retiring in 1997 from R.C. Billings in Bath.
Jim and Mary Jane also had a strong love for farming where they owned and operated a small dairy farm on the Big Creek Road from 1955 to 1973. Even after they sold the farm you could find Jim plowing the fields with his Belgian draft horses and pulling wagon loads of children at the local parades.
He was a member of the Hornell Amvets Post No. 245, the Hornell Moose Lodge No. 210, the Carducci Lodge and the Avoca American Legion Post No. 1315 where he served as a Commander from 2005 to 2010.
His loving family includes his three children, Susan (Wayne) Wilson of Savona, Pete (Sharon) Houghtaling of Hornell and Laurie (Angelo) Sciotti of Hornell; his grandchildren, Patrick (Summer) Wilson, Lisa Wilson, Destry (Jen) Wilson, Teresa Houghtaling, Mandy (Dusty) Speakman, Jason Houghtaling, Michelle (Rick) Studer, Sondra (Bryan) Salmon, Andrea Sciotti and Angelo (Kristin) Sciotti; his 15 great-grandchildren; his sister, Evelyn (William) Gross of Nunda; his three sisters-in-law, Bonnie MacNaughton and Karlene House both of Colorado and Eleanor Russell of Hornell; his two brothers-in-law, Robert (Joan) Russell of Cansiteo and Frank (Deanna) Russell of Andover; also several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of James Houghtaling, Jr.
To honor his wishes there were no calling hours. A private funeral service was held at the convenience of his family at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, with private interment at the Howard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his name to Faith In Action, P.O. Box 117, Hornell, N.Y. 14843.
Online condolences or remembrances of Jim are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
