James D. Lonsberry

James D. Lonsberry, age 89, of Perry, NY passed away on Saturday March 6, 2021 at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw where he had been residing.
He was born in Wellsville, NY on May 9, 1931, a son to the late Walter A. and Florence (Paddock) Lonsberry.
James served with the US Airforce during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Puerto Rico from 1950-1954.
He was a graduate of Wellsville High School, and received his Masters in Education at SUNY Geneseo and Certification in Administration from Buffalo State.
Jim was a high school social studies teacher starting out at Fredonia High movin over to Letchworth Central School, and became Principal at Letchworth Central School retiring in 1985. Jim and Lydia owned and operated the former Music Shoppe in Perry for many years where he would teach guitar lesson.
He was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa, National Rifle Association and the pistol club in Warsaw.
As a young boy Jim was a trick rider on horses, performing in area carnivals and fairs, in high school he was a Golden Glove boxer, never losing a match. He was a guitarist, who played with several Country bands, and an avid fisherman, trapper and hunter, who loved to fly fish and tied his own flies.He was a bird dog trainer for hunting. A talented woodworker oftenselling his creations at local crafts shows. He had a great love for his pets.
He is survived by his wife: Lydia (Walker) Lonsberry whom he married on August 11, 1962, 2 sons: John (Sandra) Lonsberry of Castile, Alan (Lynn) Lonsberry of Silver Springs, a sister: Marilyn Bianchine of DeWitt, NY, 2 grandchildren: Ariel and Jared Lonsberry, many granddogs, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings: Lilia (Charles) Parker, Betty (Perry) Phillips and John Lonsberry.
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday June 12th at 11 AM at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St. in Perry.
He will be laid to rest in the Middle Reservation Road Cemetery in Castile.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wyoming County SPCA 808 Creek Rd, Attica, NY 14011, Animal Friends at Wyoming County Animal Shelter
4380 Rt 19, Silver Springs, NY 14550 or to the donor’s choice.