Jody L. Upton

Jody L. Upton, age 67 of Clayton, NY, passed away early Friday morning, March 14, 2025, at River Hospital in Alexandria Bay, NY. A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Walter Smith officiating. Visitation will be held prior, from 1:00 PM until the start of the service. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Jody was born May 5, 1957, in Binghamton, NY to Robert W. and Margaret (Roy) Backus. In 1975, Jody graduated from Lisbon Central School. She went on to pursue higher education at SUNY Potsdam, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Spanish. On May 23, 1980, Jody married Donald Upton in Heuvelton, NY.

Jody began her career at the Spanish Action League in Syracuse, where she worked as a Spanish translator. After relocating back to the North Country, she briefly worked as a Monitor Tech at Hepburn Hospital. She ultimately found her passion as a Senior Consultant, acting as a liaison for HiSoft Technology International, Apps Associates, Salesforce, and Stream Global Services. Jody traveled extensively around the world for her job.

In her personal life, Jody cherished her animals, from cats and dogs to turtles. She loved gardening, bird watching, and cooking meals for her grandchildren, especially her famous Friday and Sunday meals. She also enjoyed trips to Old McDonald's Farm with her grandchildren, family vacations, and planning meals for her loved ones. Along with Jody’s beautiful soul, she had an amazing voice, singing and enjoying all music.

Jody is survived by her husband, Donald Upton of Clayton; her mother, Margaret Backus of Lisbon; her children, Charles Upton and his wife, Irina of Clayton and Shelly Upton of Cambridge, MA; her brothers, John Backus of Collierville, TN and Lonnie Backus and his wife Renee of Chipman; his sisters, Susan Akins of Canton and Shelly Backus of Lisbon; her beloved grandchildren, Calvin, Charlotte, Cornelia Upton, including one on the way, Carina; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her father, Robert W. Backus in 1975; a sister, Diane Backus; and a sister in law, Jean Backus.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard E. Winter Cancer Center at 5 Lyon Place, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.