James M. Shear

James Michael Shear, 84, of Binghamton, NY, passed away on August 13, 2024.

We mourn the passing of Jim Shear-beloved father, teacher, mentor, and friend.

Jim composed the following text, and he instructed that it be published upon his departure.

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first”

We, Jim’s sons, John (Lynette)Jeffrey (Leila) and grandkids (Shayne, Madison and Alana), most sadly note Jim’s passing on…

There is no doubt that we and others who knew him well will gladly recognize his very loud, deep and immediately recognizable voice in our heads for a long time to come.

Jim’s dad, George (our Grampa/Greatgrampa) once told his son that, “A person without enemies is a person without character.” He also warned him that by this measure he should not strive to amass too much “character”. Jim was rarely afraid to say what had to be said, especially when others did not have to courage to do so.  He was actually incredibly even-tempered and the louder he barked, the more you knew that he was only joking.  It was a “JIM” thing…you wouldn’t understand

His older brother, Richard, was the Teddy Bear in the family, Jim was The Voice. Jim’s art/creative skills were learned from him as well as his liking for non-contact sports such as golf, tennis, darts. Jim’s love of The Arts and Performing Arts was given to him by his Mom, Fan, his woodworking and tool skills by his dad.

In addition to the values instilled in him by his parents and family, his thoughts and life philosophies were emblazoned everywhere: on his tee shirts and sweatshirts, all over the bulletin boards and wall of his workshop and living room.  Where jim was, there was: clutter, humor, snacks, puzzles, puns, St. Bernard hair, the music of Miller, Liza Minelli, Wonder, Chapin, Streisand, Sinatra, etc., the visual work of Picasso, Escher, Van Gogh, Utrillo, Lewis Carroll, Neil SImon, Barishnikov, the words of Einstein, Dan Brown, Tom Clancy, the theatre of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, the echo of the “F” word always hanging in the air.

Additionally: “two paths diverged…I took the one less traveled by and that has made all of the difference.” (Frost); “Lead, follow, or get out of the way!” (St. Bernard); “Question authority” (Einstein), “Home is where the dog is.” Bailey (Beast);”What you can’t hide PERFECTLY make obvious! (Design principle); “Welcome…I hope you like dog hair! (St. Bernard)

”I Did it My Way” (Tiddenbroekvia Frank Sinatra); “Mixed emotions are what you feel when you see your mother-in-law go off a cliff in your Cadillac.” comedian Henny Youngman”; Caution: Dog can’t hold its licker!! (Author unknown); “Those who can, teach!  Those who can’t make laws about teaching.” (Author unknown); “Go hang a salami I’m a lasagna hog.” (Favorite palindrome); “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds” (Einstein) “Tomorrow or the next day I have to stop procrastinating.” (Favorite jim motto)

Jim always had time for anyone willing to learn, but also knew that you should “never try to teach a pig to sing; it’s a waste of your time and it annoys the pig.”

We’ll forever thank him for teaching us how to create “just one more” foods, like Peeps, where you keep taking “just one more” until you get to the point where you say, “no point in leaving just 3.”Ya loved ‘im or ya disliked ‘im.  Not many (if any) in-betweeners. We, (his family, friends,workers, and former students) will recognize that voice in our heads, and smile.L’Chaim!Jim has requested that there be no funeral.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Obituary also online at www.TiersNews.com.  Please express condolences online at www.SavageFS.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to SAVAGE-DeMarco Funeral Service in Binghamton.

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