James E. Faunce, 77, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 7th at Samaritan Summit Village having been a resident for the past 14 months and following a two year residence at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Sep. 11 at the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.  Burial will follow at the Black River Cemetery.

Calling hours will be 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the funeral home.

Jim was born on April 20, 1937 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, son of Edward H. and Florence Johnson Faunce.  Mr. Faunce spent his childhood, school years and adult life later raising his own family in Great Bend, NY.

Mr. Faunce, a 1955 graduate from Carthage Central School, became a civilian employee mechanic in 1956 for the New York Army National Guard at Camp Drum.  He was promoted in 1978 to general foreman of the former training equipment site at Fort Drum until his retirement in September 1994.  He was a 39 year member of the New York Army National Guard, serving with the 127th Maintenance Company, Carthage, the 145th Maintenance Company, Brooklyn, and most recently the NYS Area Command Headquarters in Latham, NY retiring in April 1997 as Chief Warrant Officer 4.

On June 2, 1957, James was married to Mary Ann VanDusen at Grace Episcopal Church, Carthage with Robert W. Nicholls officiating.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Faunce, a resident of Samaritan Summit Village; a son and daughter-in-law, Russ and Laurie Faunce of Black River; a daughter Rhonda A. Faunce and her partner Callie O. Black of Elmira, NY; a brother and sister-in-law,  John "Jack" and Sue Faunce, Carthage; a sister-in-law, Joan Johnson of Gouverneur; a brother-in-law and his wife, Noel "Toby" and Linda VanDusen of Massena; several nieces and nephews.

Jim enjoyed sharing his love of golf and the Yankees' with his little brother.  He was a member of the Woolworth Memorial United Methodist Church, Carlowden Country Club and served as an officer with the Great Bend Volunteer Fire Department.

Donations may be made to the Great Bend Fire Department 32768 New York 26, Carthage, NY 13619 or Woolworth Memorial United Methodist Church 25120 County Road 197, Great Bend, NY 13643.

Online condolences may be made at brucefh.com.