HORNELL-James A. “Jim” Soukup, 68, of 8521 Canfield Rd, Cohocton, (Haskinville — Town of Fremont) died Friday afternoon (February 21,2020) at his home after a long illness.
Born in Cleveland, OH on April 12, 1951, son of William A. Soukup & Prudence (Anderson) Soukup.
Jim grew up in Chesterland, Geauga County and graduated from West Geauga High School (class of 1969) and later attended Cooper School of Art. While growing up Jim became known as “Jungle Jim” both for sketching reptiles and bringing so many home, such as snakes, lizards, spiders, exotic reptiles, electric eels and an array of other animals.
Jim moved to New York in 1978, married and started a family. He was employed as a delivery driver and one of the last “Milkman” for former Elmhurst Dairy and then a driver for Wise Potato Chips.
Passionate about raising children and buying/selling antiques, Jim was one of the best known antique dealers in the area and could teach customers the value of anything vintage. He taught his kids how to safely catch snakes and much to their delight, proudly carried them back to show their mother, who was not a fan of snakes.
Jim spent countless hours on the road at shows, antique shops, and garage sales. When his family went to a garage sale and brought back a pony, he just shook his head! We will miss our walking encyclopedia and the questions asked by all.
He was married on October 17, 1979 to the former Mary Wornoff who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Tiffany (Christopher) Soukup-Brader and Laura (Paul) Shephard of Hornell; two brothers William (Josephine) Soukup of Bedford, OH, Gary Soukup of Ashtabula, OH; 1 sister Joyce (Gary) Garbas of Columbus OH; 1 granddaughter, Brooklyn Shephard; several nieces & nephews.
The family of James “Jim” Soukup will receive friends on Saturday (March 21, 2020) from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 5:00 PM with John and Pat Guthrie from River of Grace Ministries officiating. Please wear plaid or flannel if you can as Jim always did.
Due to the recent health concerns regarding the Coronavirus, please refrain from physical contact such as shaking hands, hugging and/or kissing while paying your respects at the Dagon Funeral Home.
For those choosing not to attend, the Memorial Service will be steamed via Facebook Live and can be viewed on the Dagon Funeral Home Facebook page on Saturday at 5:00 PM by visiting www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome. The video will remain available for viewing on our Facebook page for 30 days.
Jim’s family request in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made either to the family or Hornell Concern for Youth, 76 East Main St., Hornell , NY 14843 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
