James Philip Gleason
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March 7, 1946 – June 2, 2025.
Rochester: passed away suddenly Monday June 2nd, 2025 at age 79. A man of high character, quiet strength, and deep devotion to those he loved Jim leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and kindness.
Born on March 7, 1946, Jim was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served his country with honor. He married the love of his life, Sheila, and together they shared 56 beautiful years of marriage, raising a family rooted in love and respect.
Jim was the beloved father of Tyler (Judy) and Josh (Amy), and the cherished grandfather of six grandchildren: LJ (19), Colby (16), Sawyer (12), Lejla (11), Seamus (9), and Hazel (7). He was a steady presence in their lives—always supportive, always encouraging, always there. “He loved cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events”
An accomplished drummer with a lifelong love of music, Jim found joy in rhythm and creativity. His hobbies reflected his zest for life: camping under the stars, riding motorcycles, reading a good book, and spending time in the yard he took pride in. He was most at peace when surrounded by nature or family.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Francis Gleason (1980) and Margaret “Peg” Gleason (1992). He is survived by his two older sisters, Diane (Walch) and Carol (Yarton), who knew him as a loyal and caring brother. He was referred to by his many nieces and nephews as “UJ” or uncle Jim.
Jim will be remembered not only for his talents and achievements, but more importantly for his humility, generosity, and the love he so freely gave to others. His spirit will continue to live on in all those who knew him.
Friends may call Tuesday (June 10th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Road, where his military honors and family prayers will be held following calling at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a veteran’s organization of your choice in Jim’s honor.
He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Josh and family our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Aunt Sheila,
Uncle Jim will be missed greatly. We were shocked to hear of his accident and I am so sorry for what you must be going through. I have many fond memories over on Knickerbocker. Very sad.
Josh and Ty,
You guys have turned out to be great men because your father truly loved and cared about you. Maybe he’s up there with uncle Duane and uncle Allen, and of course, with his father and mother reminiscing in peace.
Shelia , I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband . I hope all the love and memories you shared with Jim… puts a smile on your face and warms your heart .
Thinking of you during this very sad and difficult time .
XOXO
Lori Kaminski Burke
Jim was a wonderful man who will be missed by many. He was a bus driver for the last 5 years in Greece and was a true professional in every aspect of the job. He helped out in the Garage and was always a joy to talk to. He will be missed in many ways. RIP – Jim!
RIP Jim. I always enjoyed working with you. I know from our conversations you will be missed by your wonderful family.
Our heartfelt condolences to you Sheila and your beautiful family.
Such a tragic loss of a wonderful man!
I know how deeply loved he was and that love traveled with him into heaven.
And the love he felt for you, Sheila, is touched in every corner of your heart and it will be there forever.
Rest in peace Jimmy … a job well done! 🙏💙🙏
Sheila, we send our deepest sympathy to you, Tyler, Josh, and your beautiful family.
I’m so sad for you Sheila. Condolences to you and your family. Jim and you always talked to us “kids” in the neighborhood and let us hang outside with you. When we heard music in the summer with the windows open we knew it was coming from Jim’s speakers/stereo system he was so proud of, with the Great Dane looking out the front door!! I will always remember him as a great man. We will be Praying for comfort for you and the family.
Sheila,
0ur deepest sympathies to you and the boys. May your many memories of Jim bring you peace and comfort.
Shiela,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I remember meeting him back in the day when you were on Knickerbocker. May the memories of all your wonderful years together, comfort you at this time🙏🙏🙏
I had coffee with Jim every morning at 7. I don’t remember him ever being unpleasant to anyone; or anyone to him.
I was in the media for 20 years and shared a passion of music with him. I also right. And I have a confession. I wrote 10 short stories that I will have published in the near future. But as usual, I procrastinated. Jim was to receive one of the first books. Now, of course, I won’t get to hear his opinion. That’s something I would have valued. My loss and I apologize.
I’m sorry for your loss. People outside our small sphere may never have heard of him. But was lost a great man. He will be missed.
Jim was a sweet, wonderful man. He was loved and respected by many of us here at Greece Central.
Him and I shared a love of reading and often he would put a book he enjoyed and finished, and put it in my mailbox at work for me and vice versa.I had just spoken to him on the Friday before he passed. I will miss him and his kindness and generosity and feel blessed that I knew him. RIP Jim…you will be missed 💕🙏
Sheila,
My deepest sympathies to, your sons and grandchildren. May your many memories of Jimmy bring you peace and comfort. I especially remember the stories he told of his motorcycle trips to the Mountains. You and your family are in my prayers. I pray that the memories you hold in your heart and mental photo album of Jimmy overtake the grief you feel at this time.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Jim will always hold a special place in my heart. He always had kind words, a book in his hands and a listening ear if you needed one. I am glad I had the pleasure to know him.
RIP Jim you will be truly missed
Sheila,
I am so very sorry!! You have shared so many wonderful stories of Jim and your family over the years and a part of me feels like I knew him. I can’t imagine the pain and sorrow you and your family are feeling, but I know you are there for each other and for that, I am grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
RIP Jim, We spent a lot of time together working in the bus garage, sometimes we drove for hours together back and forth between Greece, Batavia and Bergen delivering buses. Thanks for sharing all your camping trips with me. I will miss our daily talks about kids and grandkids.
Sheila And Family
We Are So Sorry For Your Loss. Our Prayers Are With You And Your Family
Don and Mary Ellen
To the family of LJ Gleason,
I am sending my deepest condolences for the loss of your grandfather, LJ. it sounds like he was an amazing man. Please know that his legacy will live on in all of you. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to you and your family.
God bless all of you,
Madame Rybak (LJ’s Spanish teacher for 7th grade!)