Ames has served in many local courts with integrity
By Andrew Harris, pictured is Ames after being honored by the Wellsville Police Department in 2017
The tight-knit community of Scio and many in Allegany County are mourning today after the sudden passing of longtime public servant James Ames.
A highly respected judge and community member, Ames has been a big part of Allegany County for his entire life. Ames was a graduate of Scio Central School and served his hometown as an associate justice at the time of his death. Ames was also a longtime member of the Scio Fire Department.
Allegany County Sheriff Scott Cicirello has known Ames for over three decades and made this statement about his fellow first responder:
“I met Jim when he was a teenager and joined the OES Rescue Squad. We remained friends ever since. I saw him at countless fire and accident scenes over the years as he was a member of the Scio Fire Dept. Then in later years later I had the pleasure of testifying in his court where he sat as a Town Justice. Jim will be remembered as a loyal supporter of his community and fire department. He volunteered countless hours in the interest public safety and was a strong advocate for Justice in his court. His contributions to the County and the Scio community will not be forgotten. I send my sincere condolences to his family and his brothers and sisters in the SFD.“
Current Scio Town Justice Brendan Anderson has called Ames a mentor and reports that his guidance has been instrumental in his success.
How bad did Judge Ames want Brendan Anderson to succeed as the new judge in Scio? Instead of answering a question, Judge Ames came in and set up a mock trial.
“He knew I was having an upcoming bench trial and I was questioning how it all should play out and what I needed to do,” Anderson said. “I had all the training for it of course, but he said, ‘I’ll do you one better!’ And he got right up and completely reenacted an entire court proceeding for me playing the role of prosecutor, defendant, lawyer, and even the bailiff. He covered everything for me step-by-step, answered all of my questions, and I finally felt actually prepared … And he always continued that type of help for me weekly.”
Anderson said Judge Ames continued to mentor him to keep the court running smoothly and was available around the clock to answer questions.
“Judge Ames, with his 24 plus years of experience and service to many local towns as their justice, was an invaluable mentor to me as I began my journey as a new Town Judge in the Town of Scio,” Anderson said. “It felt like we spoke daily, he always made sure to call. It was an honor and a privilege to share the bench with the Honorable Judge James W. Ames and it goes without saying, he will be greatly missed.”
Social media reaction echoed the sentiments of Sheriff Cicirello and Justice Anderson:
Jackie Mann – Jim Ames my co worker and friend for several year. May you rest in peace. Prayers to you and your family. We will meet again. FLY HIGH JIM. Condolences to his wife, family and friends.
Heather Trask – So sad 
he was a great guy… 
David Glass- RIP Jimmy you were a great guy
Shaun Taylor -Well this certainly sucks, many years have passed but we certainly had some fun times. Until we meet again, rest in peace brother…
