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.