James Ross Myers

James Ross Myers Of Chili New York passed away Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025 at age 79. Predeceased by his daughter, Wendy Bus. Survived by his wife, Margaret, children, grandchildren, and sister-in-law, Ruth Swanson; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Born on February 14, 1946, in Ithaca, New York. Jim later moved to Buffalo, where he graduated from Bennett high school before serving in the United States Navy. After completing his military service, he began a dedicated 40-year career with Xerox, where his steady work ethic and loyalty earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Jim’s life was marked by devotion to family, faith, and perseverance—qualities that defined him from youth to his final days. A Loving Husband and Father Jim married the love of his life, Margaret “Peg” Swanson of Cassadaga, New York, daughter of Herman and Helen Swanson. Together they built a strong and loving family, raising five children: Wendy Lou (Mark) Bus, Jessica Lee (William) Oakley, Michele Marie (Chris) Kolupski, Eric James (Recia) Myers, and Vanessa Nadine (Caleb) Brocious. Jim’s joy multiplied with the arrival of his grandchildren: Auston (Anna) Bus, Gregory (Mariah) Oakley, Sophia Bus, Haydn Myers, Sabrina Oakley, Violet and Harrison Kolupski, Barric “Bear” and Bianca Brocious, along with a great-grandson expected in 2026. A Man Who Put Spiritual Things First Jim was known for placing the spiritual well-being of his family above everything else. While living in the Dunkirk and Jamestown areas, he regularly drove his family through snowstorms, rainstorms, and all manner of weather so they could attend meetings and share in the ministry. Getting everyone out the door was no small task. In Jim’s words, it was “like herding turtles” but he did it faithfully, with patience and humor, making sure his children understood that their spirituality mattered. But Jim didn’t just make the effort, he made it joyful. Those trips often included stops for dinner or treats like Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, or a donut shop. He made sure to take advantage of the trip by working in all his errands like getting groceries, shoes, and snacks, all while ensuring his family was spiritually cared for. Even in the hospital, Jim kept spiritual things first. He read the day’s text, encouraged others, and spoke to medical staff about his faith. To Jim, spirituality wasn’t just important, it was his foundation, and he worked tirelessly to pass that foundation on to his family. Endless Determination and Classic “Jim-isms” Jim’s determination carried over into everyday life, often in ways his family remembers with laughter. Like the time he tried to show a news reporter he could safely cross a flooded road after a meeting, but proceeded to stall the van in the middle of the water. The event made the news, and he had to roll up his suit pants, and help push the van out. Jim also had a knack for teaching “life lessons” in his own comical way. He’d remind the grandkids not to stand up in a canoe unless they wanted to swim, and he’d jokingly advise, “If you’re going to get in trouble, make sure you get rid of the evidence.”. If someone stated, “I’m hungry”, he would always reply with “Hi hungry, I’m Jim” Grandpa and the grandkids Jim treasured time with his grandchildren. He loved taking them in the ministry, and he always rewarded their efforts afterwards. He cherished their quirks and personalities. Some would follow him around to get a goodbye hug as he jokingly kept walking away; others tried to sneak in more than one handshake a day, despite Grandpa’s “one-handshake policy.” He helped them on school projects, like when he carried around a cutout figure and took pictures of Flat Stanley in different locations, which helped Sabrina to get the best score in the class. Jim also had a special way of showing love through food. He made breakfast for Peg and the grandkids. And that example moved his grandchildren to do the same. Pancakes, French toast, anything—even if the kitchen looked like a disaster afterward. Jim cherished every bite because it was made with love. Breakfast became more than a meal in the Myers household; it was a symbol of Jim’s warmth, humor, and devotion to family. A Deep Love of Creation Family beach trips became treasured traditions in the Myers household. Jim taught every child and grandchild how to body surf, catch sand fleas, and hunt for crabs at night. These trips were filled with laughter, lessons, and a shared appreciation for creation. A sign in one of the bedrooms still makes the family smile: “An old crab lives here with his mermaid.” It was pure Jim—quirky, humorous, and full of affection. He had a deep love of fishing and was happy to bring his children and grandchildren along, despite having to untangle lots of lines and carting up all the extra equipment. A Legacy of Love, Faith, and Quiet Strength Jim showed love in countless small and meaningful ways—even jokingly saying, “I have great affection for you,” a phrase that became a family treasure because everyone knew how deeply he really meant it, but he reserved his “I love you’s” for Peg alone. Through his consistency, devotion, and example, Jim built a spiritual foundation that continues to shape his children and grandchildren today. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, humor, and unwavering love. For Jim, faith and love were inseparable, and his family will carry that legacy forward with gratitude and joy. A Funeral talk will be held Sunday, December 7th, at the at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 52 Ingress Park Rochester NY, 14606 at 3:30. A funeral reception will be held afterwards at Trusted Treasurez @ Creekside 3765 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14624.

James Ross Myers

February 14, 1946 - November 26, 2025