James B. Friers 

Madison - James Burton Friers, 96, passed peacefully on March 4, 2025, in the early morning hours in his sleep at his home, with the love and support of his family at his side. 

  Jim was born on December 31, 1928, in Fultonville, the son of the late George A. and Ada May (Borden) Friers. Jim grew up in Fultonville and was a graduate of Fonda High School.  On April 3, 1948, Jim and Virginia (Henderson) were married in Canajoharie, NY. Virginia passed away on December 23, 1982.  Jim developed a strong work ethic early in life, as he held many jobs throughout his younger years, including working on nearby family farms before and after school.  When retelling stories of his younger years, he would say “I always had a nickel in my pocket when others didn’t.”  He was always very proud that he could get his work done in the morning and still make it to school on time, where he excelled both academically and in sports. Jim played baseball, basketball and soccer throughout his school years, maintaining a love for sports his entire life, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. 

  Jim and Virginia relocated in 1960 to Madison to own and operate the Madison Motor Court, a local business that is still family owned.  Jim had spent his working career in the Building Trades at Colgate University, retiring in 1992.  Jim was also very involved in the Madison Community.  He was a member of the Madison Central School Board and the Madison-Oriskany Falls Rotary Club, always there to lend a hand.  Jim was also an accomplished bowler, bowling in several leagues in Oriskany Falls and Waterville, well into his 80’s. He scored 300 on two separate occasions and had scores in the 700 series multiple times, evidenced by the many trophies and plaques that fill his house.  Jim also loved watching WWF with several of his grandchildren, encouraging them to utilize his living room furniture and his body to re-enact their favorite wrestling moves, much to their parents' dismay. In retirement, Jim always found activities to make the day go by, but also made time for family, especially his grandchildren.  Jim was an “able to agree, but disagree” type person, and you understood his opinion on a matter. 

Jim leaves behind his beloved family, his children: Judy Brown, James B. Friers Jr., William A. (Debbie) Friers, Barbara (Michael) Loucks; his daughter-in-law Karen Friers; his brother and sister-in-law David and Cynthia Friers; his grandchildren: Christopher (Lori) Friers, Jennifer (Andrés) Galego, Stanley J. (Stephanie) Friers Jr., Kenneth Friers, Paul Zito, Rachel Brown, Andrew Loucks, and Alex Loucks. Numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends are also survived by Jim. 

He was predeceased by his beloved parents George and Ada, his cherished wife Virginia, and his siblings: Irene Meyer, Elois Cole, Jean Palmatier, Dorothy Rose, Arthur Friers, Robert Friers, and Kathryn Lusso. 

Jim’s family offers heartfelt thanks to the “Team” at Independent Home Care of CNY.  Your love and support were appreciated and will never be forgotten. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside funeral service on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in the Madison Village Cemetery at 12PM.  In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will not be public calling hours, but following the graveside service, a celebration of a life-well-lived will be held at the Solsville Hotel starting at 1PM. All are invited; dress is casual.  Compassionate and personal care is being provided to Jim and his family by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.  

To offer a condolence, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net