Geneseo, NY / Conesus Lake, NY
Ralph J. “Jim” Coogan – 71 – of Conesus Lake died Friday evening (March 17, 2023) at Highland Hospital in Rochester, following a long illness.
Born in Hornell on January 18, 1952, he was the son of Ralph and Pearl (Clark) Coogan. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick “Fred” Coogan who died in 2019.
He was married on June 30, 1989, to Judy (Backer) Coogan who survives. Also surviving are his children, Andrea Carty of Hammondsport and Jamie (Sam) Scalise of Lakeville; his sister, Teresa Jaycox of Rochester; his grandchildren, McKenzie and Maci Scalise; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He will also be greatly missed by his canine companions, Cooper and Lexi.
Jim grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1970). While in high school, he was a member of the HHS band where he played drums and was also a member of the Hornell Drill and Drum Team.
A veteran of the US Army, Jim served his country as a First Sergeant Drill Instructor during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving a marksmanship award during training.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Jim returned to the Hornell area and was employed for several years in the maintenance department of the former St. James Mercy Hospital. For about 15 years he worked in many capacities at the former Erie Railroad, Erie Lackawanna Railroad and Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Railroad including trainman, conductor, and in the yard office.
Jim was later employed at Kodak Corporation in Rochester. While working at Kodak, he decided to further his education and received his Bachelor’s degree in Reliability Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), later retiring about 5 years ago.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved hunting and fishing, and was an excellent marksman and a longtime member of the Springwater Rod & Gun Club.
At Jim’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. A “Celebration of Life” for family and friends will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Jim’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.
Jim was such an interesting man….always happy, friendly, and ready to tell you a story of some adventure he had…he was quite the story teller…was was an artist when it came to masonry projects…and he was thoughtful and a giver from the heart…a joy to be around and will be missedCaptcha
Jim’s presence on most Sat at the Amish Saw Mill after the Donut pickup at the Amish Bakery . He would stop and see the boys and catch up on the work and activities. He would catch up on the news and see how he can assist them in any way . He could offer better things on the computer searches . He seemed like a manager to them . Always helping in the ways he could wether driving to pick up materials or just an enjoyable day T the auction . He had the heart of an Amish . He was the key to their English world . He was the favorite Uncle to the Amish kids , giving a little treat or two …. I would guess one special time was Judy and Jim making a special after work picnic at the Saw Mill . Judy put out the tastiest spread of salads and Jim worked the grill supplying all the burgers and dogs you could eat ! It was great !!! His huge grill with burgers , dogs and after came the marshmallows . It was a beautiful evening enjoyed by Eli and Levi ‘s family’s and included their spouses that came by buggy . This was the family you probably didn’t know . Miss You Jim . We did the last couple jobs with you in mind . You were there . Helping out with the testing and ribbing . I have them enough for the both of us . Thank You Jim and Judy for being such Wonderfull Friends !!! Miss You , Ken and Karen . Barber Hill Rd