Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
James L. Godfrey,
James (Jim) Leland Godfrey, 83, of Oneida, NY, passed away on January 15, 2026.
Jim was born on December 20, 1942, in Poolville, NY, the son of the late Arthur and Doris Godfrey. Professionally, Jim enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a Graphic Artist and Photographer at SUNY Morrisville. Following his retirement, he remained active and social, working as a Black Jack Dealer at the Turning Stone Casino, where he enjoyed meeting new people. Jim was a quiet but deeply caring and thoughtful man who will be truly missed by all who knew him. He found great joy in cooking for family gatherings and took pride in bringing loved ones together around the table. An avid fisherman, Jim was especially passionate about spending time on the water, creating lasting memories while fishing with his sons.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann Godfrey; his sons, James J. Godfrey and Michael J. Godfrey; and his daughters from a previous marriage, Paula Godfrey and Carey Kholi. He is also survived by several grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his loving sister, Delores (Dee) Dodge, and brother, Howard Godfrey.
Friends and family are invited to call on the family on Saturday, January 24, at Paul Funeral Home, 3592 South St., Madison, NY, from 12-3PM. Spring interment services will take place in Madison Village Cemetery. 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
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wanderers' Rest Humane Association. Donations may be made online at www.wanderersrest.org. Donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James L. Godfrey, please visit our Tree Store.
Wanderer's Rest Humane Association
7138 Sutherland Drive, Canastota NY 13032