Marvin K. JAMES, 62, of Belmont, NY, died on Monday, February 12, 2024 at his home after a long illness. Marvin Kenneth James was born on October 16, 1961, to Millicent (Stuck) King and Leland James. His father died when he was eight years old. With his mother unable to care for all the children, he and his siblings were placed in foster care. He was in the care of Robert and Frances Ames of Friendship and then arrived at the home of James and Lois Balcom in 1970. He was accepted and considered as one of their own. He continued to be close to both foster families up until his death. He graduated from Friendship High School in 1981. After High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany before coming back to the states. He was employed by Macler Industries in Friendship for some time and the former Stuffer’s cookies, previously known as Farnsworth’s Cookies Factory in Cuba, NY for several years.
Marv could be described as comical, strong, outgoing, selfless, who gave with his whole heart and loved unconditionally. He had a love for his family and friends. He enjoyed time outdoors, all wildlife, NASCAR racing, listening to country and classic rock. As long as Marv was busy, he was happy. In his younger years, family remembers him driving his motorcycle in the dead of winter in Friendship and the surrounding area. If you were a stranger in a store, Marv always made it a point to say “How are ya doing today?” and may have even offered to help you put your groceries in your car. He was always down for conversation and was often found at the Modern Diner in Wellsville having coffee among the locals. He was always willing to give a helping hand everywhere he went. If family or friends needed help, he was there. Marv will also always be remembered for his witty personality and many of his signature lines, “See you on the flip side, or in agreement, “10-4!” will be missed by all!
He was one of fifteen children, along with foster family that were a part of who he held close. Surviving are: his foster mother, Lois Balcom of Wellsville; three sisters, Marie Belec of Florida, Patricia Johnson of Nevada, and Peggy Hurler of Westfield, PA; six brothers, Larry James of Olean, Terry James of Wellsville, John James of NY, Gary James of Florida, Calvin James of NY, and Marvin Collins of Indiana; foster sisters, Delores Ames Whitney of NY, Jacinda (Cyndi) Preston of Wellsville, and Debora Polzella of Augusta, ME; several nieces and nephews, including nieces, Alicia James of Chester, VA, Angela Carney of CO, and Andrea Hunt of Hornell; several cousins, including Barb (Dan) Woolston of Belmont. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Norma Winn and Deborah James; brothers, Jerry James, Harry Budinger, and Kenneth “Jimmy James” Budinger; niece, Christine Carney; foster brother, William Balcom; foster parents, Robert A. “Art” Ames and Frances “Fran” Ames; and his foster father, James Balcom.
A formal funeral service will not take place at Marvin’s request. A gathering to celebrate Marv’s life will take place on a later date. Cremation was at OLNEY-FOUST Private Crematory.
Memorials may be made to the SPCA located in Belmont and the Allegany County Trap, Neuter, Return, serving the Village of Wellsville.
Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
