Elmer J. “Jack” Stocum – (81) – of 51 Wood St., Hornell, died unexpectedly early Friday morning (November 26, 2010) at his home.

Born in Canisteo on July 8, 1929, he was the son of Elmer & Reba (Hornburg) Stocum.

Jack was a lifelong resident of the Canisteo – Hornell area.  He was a graduate of Canisteo Central School and later served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.

He was employed for many years as a pipe fitter for the former Erie Railroad and Erie-Lackawanna Railroad.  He later worked for several companies, including Ingersol Rand of Painted Post, Worthington Turbine, SKF Industries of Hornell, and most recently as a machinist at Foster-Wheeler Corporation, retiring in 1987.

Jack was extremely active in Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts of America for nearly 60 years.  He was also an active volunteer for the Hornell Salvation Army.

He was married in 1950 to the former Veronica Cary who died February 27, 2004.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa Louise Stocum who died in 1953;  his grandson, Jeremy Niver; 2 sisters, Frances Pratt and Betty Schwartz; 2 brothers, Donald Stocum and Robert Stocum.

Surviving are 2 sons, Richard (Kim) Stocum of Canisteo and Jon (Mary Jo) Wakefield of Ontario, NY; 2 daughters, Barb Niver of Hornell and Eileen Stocum of Hornell; 1 brother, Roger (Shirley) Stocum of Watson Town, NY; 2 sisters, Carolyn Friedrick of Williamsburg, VA and Nancy McMindes of Canisteo; his “son in law” Ray Niver; 6 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.

The family of Elmer “Jack” Stocum will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM until
7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY, where a Memorial Service with military honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 7:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating.

The family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Thunderbird District Campership Fund, C/O Betty Hess, 12 West Pine St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to the American Diabetes Foundation, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.