Obituary of James L. Searls

James L. Searls, 64 of Cortland went peacefully to be with the Lord June 4, 2010 surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a battle with Dementia and ALS. Mr. Searls was born February 6, 1946 in Cortland the son of the late Donald and Beverly Ellis Searls. Mr. Searls had been a lifelong resident of the area, and a graduate of Virgil High School. Jim went on to serve his country with the US Army. He had been employed for many years with Homer Agway. After Agway closed he went to work for Round House Mill in Cortland until his health no longer allowed him to work. He had been a volunteer fire fighter for most of his life, volunteering first with the Virgil Fire Dept and then with the Cortland Fire Dept. Orris Hose Co. He was a communicant of St. Marys Church in Cortland , a member of the American Legion and a past member of the Cortland Moose Club. Jim enjoyed dancing at the Cortland Country Music Park; however his true love was his family and being able to spend time together. Mr. Searls is survived by his wife of 44 years Dorothy Jenkins Searls, his son; Michael (Patricia) Searls of Lavergne, TN, his daughter; Theresa (Troy) Beckwith of Cortland. His mother-in-law Catherine M. Jenkins, two brothers; Ronald (Debbie) of Bellville, Ill. and Daniel (Cheryl) of Groton. One sister Deborah (Roger) Davis of McGraw. His beloved grandchildren Timothy and Cortney Carr and Jonathan Searls, step grandchildren; Rhea Foote, Corine Beckwith, Brian Foote and Troy Beckwith Jr.. Two step great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many close and supportive friends. Mr. Searls was predeceased by his parents and his father in-law Elmer Jenkins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. Marys Church, Cortland. A prayer service will precede the Mass at 10:30 AM at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland. Interment will take place in St. Marys Cemetery, Cortland . Friends are invited to call on Monday from 4:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the ALS Foundation, Upstate NY Chapter, 7th North St., Suite 890, Liverpool, NY 13088. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com We are sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. He was such a wonderful man. Always upbeat with a huge smile on his face. Jonathan thought the world of him as I am sure you know and will miss him so very much. My heart breaks for you all. You are in my prayers. Christie Barcus & Family Dear Dottie and family, We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. So glad that he is at peace now. Ray will always remember the good times him and Jim had living together on the farm. God Bless Ray and Terry