Obituary of James Cooney

Mr. James V. "Jimmer" Cooney, age 49, a math teacher at Dolgeville High School, and his beloved Diane E. Cackett, an aide at Herkimer County BOCES passed away unexpectedly on Thursday morning, December 12, 2002. Their untimely deaths were the result of an automobile accident that occurred on Route 5s in the Town of German Flatts. Mr. Cooney was born on September 25, 1953 in Little Falls a son of the late James W. and Josephine "Honey" (Covuoto) Cooney. He was raised and educated in Dolgeville schools and graduated from Herkimer County Community College and Oswego State University. He received a master?s degree from the State University of Albany. He has lived in Mohawk for several years. Because of his master skills to work with others, he chose the field of teaching. He was currently teaching calculus, pre calculus and statistics at Dolgeville High School where he taught for the past 27 years. His outgoing and gregarious personality made him a wonderful teacher and friend. These qualities made him very successful in all that he did. Jim was a pioneer of the distance learning program and since its inception was the host of the High School Quiz Show on Time Warner's Channel 10, which he hosted for ten years. He was an adjunct teacher in the math department at Herkimer County Community College. Throughout his career, Jim demonstrated exceptional expertise and knowledge in the field of teaching as well as a true understanding and sensitivity to the needs of his students of all ages. He also was very involved with "Oddyssey of the Mind", a mathematics challenge for students. As a man who appreciated the beauty and peace of the outdoors he enjoyed bicycling and was an avid sportsman. He loved to travel, and enjoyed golfing, was a fan of the Boston Red Sox and also enjoyed basketball. He will be truly missed at the card table by his friends who would gather once a week for a game of cards. In addition, Jim was a community-minded individual with a strong sense of social responsibility. Gifted with a wonderful voice and ability to play the guitar, he loved to sing at the local nursing homes and for his students. Any way that he could help his family, students, friends or co-workers, Jim would go the extra mile to do so. He was an active and respected member of the Mohawk Valley that will be dearly missed. Most importantly and in his personal life, Jim was a family man who derived great pride and happiness from his two daughters. As a man and as a parent whose emotions ran strong, he bestowed upon his daughters his love, guidance and support. His daughter would want everyone to know the many memories that they shared with their dad including watching the Simpsons and how their dad truly loved M and M's and the Beatles. Among his many neighbors, acquaintances and colleagues, he demonstrated a sincere and dedicated commitment to friendship, as well as professionalism and community goals. Jim made a strong impact on other people both within and beyond his family circle and leaves them with countless beautiful and inspiring memories of their association with him. He was a member of the New York State Teachers Association, the New York State United Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers and because of his master teaching skills was elected by a student for Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Jim is survived by his two beloved daughters, Alissa Josephine and Richelle Gloria Cooney and their mother Nancie Cooney, a brother who was very close to Jim, Ron Cooney of Dolgeville, four dear and loving sisters, Bev and husband Ray Poznoski of Herkimer, Joanie Hall and husband Ron of Winter Park, Fl., Debbie Zawtocki of Saratoga Springs, FL., and Cindy Cooney of Archer, FL. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his countless close and loyal friends. He also leaves his beloved canine companion, Molly. Besides his beloved Diane who entered into heaven with Jim, his father and his mother also preceded him in death. Relatives, friends, students and co workers are invited to pay their respect at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Main Street between Ilion and Frankfort (894-8000) on Sunday, December 15, 2002 from 2- 9 p.m. The funeral will commence on Monday morning, December 16, 2002 at 7:45 am from the chapel of the funeral home where family and friends will eulogize Jim's life. Funeral procession will follow to Sts. Anthony and Joseph's Church, South Main Street, Herkimer where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Robert Shinos, pastor and the Rev. Mark Cunningham. Jim will be laid to rest this spring in Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer. In lieu of flowers, donations establishing a graduation award in memory of James V. Cooney may be payable to Dolgeville Central Schools and can be sent to 38 Slawson St., Dolgeville, NY, 13329, ATTN: District Office, with a reference to the James V. Cooney Award Fund. A sincerely grateful thank you is extended to all of Jim's relatives, friends, co-workers and students whose meaningful support and encouragement during this difficult time are of great comfort to the family. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Jim's students who set up the memorial on Route 5s. You were ALL very special to Jim. A favorite quote of Jim's S.U.C.C.E.S.S., See your goal, Understand the obstacles, Clear your mind of doubt, Create a positive mental picture, Embrace the challenge, Stay on track, Show the world you can do it! Emily Matthews.