Obituary of James G. Telfer

James Gibson Telfer III (June 8, 1948- December 1, 2020) James (Jimmy) Telfer entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, December 1. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Eleanor Telfer; his sister, Peggy Franzenburg, his beloved nephew Davey Taylor; his in-laws Carolyn Telfer, Kurt Franzenburg, Bob and Rita Mowry, and Eleanor Gaige; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kay Telfer; his daughter, Erin Moorad (Jake), son James Telfer IV, and daughter Kacy Brady (Lee); his granddaughter Maddie, and grandsons Max, Ridley, and Trek; his siblings Dennis Telfer (Carol Adams), Terry Telfer (Kathy), Kevin Telfer (Lynn), and Karen Zimmerman (Mark); dearest friend Ildi Mitchell (Dennis), and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Jimmy was born and raised in Binghamton, where he graduated from Binghamton Central High School. He joined the Navy in 1968 and was stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, which supplied him with a lifetime of stories to recount and embellish according to Telfer tradition. After returning from service, Jimmy met and married Kay Mowry Nolan and started a family. He completed his BS in Society and Technology at Binghamton University, and his career focused on sales and hospitality. In 1990 he joined the Army to serve in the Gulf War. In 1997, he moved to Florida and spent many years making friends and enjoying life there before eventually returning to Binghamton to be closer to family. Jimmy's cheerfulness, easy-going attitude, kind spirit and quick wit endeared him to all who knew him in his younger years. His stubbornness, cantankerous attitude, but enduring kind spirit and quick wit endeared him to almost all who knew him in his later years. From assisting with his son's Boy Scout troop to volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans to simply helping anyone he saw in need, Jimmy was always willing to lend a hand. His Irish eyes were always smiling, and his easy laugh could fill a room. Jimmy loved nothing more than stories, songs, and laughter with family and friends, and we will celebrate his life in this way. However, due to COVID-related travel restrictions, a memorial service and celebration will be planned for a future date. Graveside services will be held at St. Augustine's Cemetery, Silver Lake, PA., Friday December 4, 2020 at 12 noon. Rev. Msgr. John P. Putano will officiate. A Memorial Mass will be held at the family's convenience in the Spring.