James M. Bleyle

James Michael Bleyle, fondly known as Jim was born to Mildred and Earl Bleyle, Jr. on December 29, 1950 in Buffalo, New York. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and loved ones on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at the age of 73, after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim fought valiantly until the Lord called him home. Despite spending much of the last eighteen months in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor. Throughout his entire journey, he cracked jokes with his grown children, and made silly faces with his grandchildren. He had the ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed.

Jim grew up in Kenmore, a suburb of Buffalo where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Buffalo State College. He moved to Norwich in 1973 for an Industrial Arts teaching job in Oxford and joined the US Army Reserves where he served for 17 years. In 1974, Jim started working for Smith Ford and later joined the Chenango Ford Sales Team in 1995, which he subsequently purchased in 2000 with his partner Byron Miller. During his time at the dealership, they earned the Ford President’s Award 13 times. The Ford President’s Award is given to dealerships that show the highest level of customer service, satisfaction and overall experience. Jim will be fondly remembered by those who knew, loved and greatly respected him as a humble, honest man of integrity, empathy, patience and compassion.

Jim was instrumental in founding the Chenango Chargers Soccer Club, serving as the Club’s First President. He remained active throughout the years donating his time, financial resources, coaching and organizing many fundraising events. He was also involved in the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce for several years.

Jim enjoyed and was very active in many outdoor athletic activities. He was a dog lover, avid fisherman and golfer who was kind and generous to those fortunate enough to be part of his life. He was also an avid card player, who would win almost every game he played. Jim touched and made a profound difference in other people’s lives, becoming a part of every “family” he came across: his college friends, traveling family, neighborhood family, golfing family, field hockey and dog agility families, Maryland and Vermont families.

Preceding him in peace were his parents, Mildred M. Bleyle (Carlini) and father, Earl W. Bleyle, Jr. Jim’s loving spirit is carried on by his wife Elaine “Billie”; his children, Bob Bleyle (Korrinna Kelsey), Matt Bleyle (Sierra Badger) and Ryan Bleyle (Diana); as well as Billie’s children Nicole Houghton (Carla Hesler), Jeremy Houghton (Shannon), and Ryan (Jeanette) Houghton; his brothers Ronald Bleyle (Kelly) and Scott Bleyle (Maryann) and his sister, Betsy Mills (George); his grandchildren: Caelan Bleyle, Santiago Bleyle, Mateo Bleyle, Presley Bleyle; Victoria Liebensperger, Kyle Houghton, Parker Houghton, Spencer Houghton, Austin Houghton and Gabriella Houghton. He is also survived by his Uncle George Carlini, several nieces and nephews. He was loved and accepted by many other families as well, such as the Billie’s siblings, Sandy and Ken Cobb, Gary and Paula Eckert, Lynne and Roger Beach, and Marsha and Byron Miller. He loved his wife Billie and their mixed families dearly.

To honor Jim’s memory calling hours will be on Friday, July 12 at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home (116 N Broad Street, Norwich) from 11:00 to 1:00 with service following immediately. A reception will be held at Genegantslet Golf Club (686 State Highway 12, Greene) starting at 3:30.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County Donate to HPCC - Hospice of Chenango County Inc. (square.site) or Glen Highland Farm Border Collie Rescue Donate (paypal.com)

“You are never sent on a journey unless you are ready to go... may your journey be peaceful.”