James Jerome

James F. Jerome, 83, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2013 at Summit Village, where he was a resident. Mr. Jerome was born on April 18, 1930, in Syracuse. He was the son of James S. Jerome and Esther "Pat" Jerome. Jim graduated from Solvay High School in 1948. He received a football scholarship to attend Cornell University. Graduating in 1951, Jim received AP-Honorable Mention All -American honors, as a defensive tackle. He was also a member of the All -Ivy League First Team, Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the ROTC program. Jim received his masters degree in education from Syracuse University in 1957. He played pro football in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Rough Riders. Jim retired from the from the 1209th US Army Reserve Unit, as a Lt. Colonel. He married Susanne Montgomery, the mother of his children. She died in 1969. His second wife, Shirley Jones, also passed away. He was currently married to Marion Eichorn. Mrs. Jerome lives in Watertown. Mr. Jerome was a history teacher at West Genesee High School, in Syracuse, from 1957 to 1963. He coached football at West Genesee High School, Marcellus High School and Queens University Kingston, Ontario. In 1963, he was hired as a history professor and physical education instructor, as part of the original faculty of Jefferson Community College. Surviving are two sons, James L. (Susan), Syracuse, Jeffrey D. (Anna), Winchester VA; a daughter, Ellen M. Capone (Patrick), Clear Brook VA; and sister, Mary Lou Jerome Kennedy, Raleigh NC; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Friday 4 to 7 p.m. at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor John Petit. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jefferson Community Foundation, 1220 Coffeen Street, Watertown, NY 13601.