James "Jamie" L. Compese Jr.

James “Jamie” L. Compese, Jr.
Age 61, of Trumansburg, NY, passed away on December 15, 2014 after a long struggle with health problems. He was predeceased by his father, James L. Compese, and his mother, Mary V. Compese, as well as a sister, Eloise Specchio, all from Watkins Glen. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Compese; daughter, Tamra MacCarrick of Alexandria, VA; sister Josephine Standish of Watkins Glen; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Bucher of Ithaca; sister-in-law, Diana Grantz of Trumansburg; brothers-in-law, Richard (Patricia) Bucher of Mt. Airy, MD and Jerry Bucher (Marguerite) of Trumansburg; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jamie was born “to be wild” on June 8, 1953. He spent his mischievous youth growing up in Watkins Glen with extended family close by. After graduating from Watkins Glen High School, he lived at his “bachelor pad” (former grandparents’ home on Second Street). Here he enjoyed parties and fun times with friends. Jamie would often be seen walking the streets of the village, going up the steps to his mom’s house with a load of groceries, up at the race track, or riding his motorcycle. Jamie worked many years along with other family members at Central Asphalt. Then, in 1988, he began working for the Trumansburg Central School District. He started as a night cleaner in the middle school, but soon became the Head Custodian for the high school where he always went the extra mile for students and staff. He continued to be a positive, upbeat member of the Operations & Maintenance team, developing excellent working relationships with the building and maintenance staffs and earning the respect of all students that he came in contact with. His warmth and humor and his ability to listen and give good advice comforted and entertained many people in his years at Trumansburg Schools and were the same qualities which made him such a devoted and wonderful husband and father. In July of 2001, due to ongoing health conditions, Jamie resigned from his position as Custodian, but continued to work for the District in a substitute capacity. Over the past 12 years, Jamie was seen with a smile filling in various places in the school district. It was while Jamie was working in Trumansburg that he met the love of his life, and “leather and lace” became a team to face the challenges ahead. A friendship grew to romance, and Nancy and Jamie were able to share a cozy home together in the village of Trumansburg. Here Jamie embraced fatherhood, and his pride and love for Tamra was shown in everything he did. Jamie loved the holidays (especially giving out candy on Halloween), his time with family and friends, walking his dog Deacon, and watching football or the New York Yankees. He loved to be in the kitchen cooking and baking. His favorite place to be was gazing out at the ocean or curled up on his couch with a warm blanket in front of the fireplace. Jamie lived life simply and faced every challenge with humor and a positive attitude. He was friendly to all, appreciated everything around him, and was grateful for the love and support of family and friends. The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, on Friday, December 19th, from 4:00pm-6:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen on Saturday at 10:00am, followed by a reception at the Elks Lodge in Watkins Glen. In lieu of flowers, please consider showing your appreciation for the care Jamie received by donating to the Ithaca Dialysis Center in his memory, or continuing his tradition to support his love of animals by donating to the SPCA of Tompkins County. You may sign a guestbook, light a “Candle of Remembrance” or express condolences to family online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.