Ira D. James

Ira D. James, of Cortland, passed away following a brief illness on Tuesday March 21, 2023 in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester at the age of 74.

He was born August 19, 1948, a son of the late Ira and Eloise Talley James.

Ira faithfully served in the US Army from 1968 – 1970.  He was proud of his military service and spoke of it often.

He was employed for many years as a truck driver for Cassens Transport, retiring in 2009.

Ira was a true ‘muscle head’. He loved classic cars and trucks; restoring, driving or just admiring them.

Surviving is his wife of 28 years, Tillie Cooper James; six children, Cecelia (Sati) Singh of Charlotte, NC; Sam Cooper of Dryden; Randy (Jeanette) Cooper of Homer; Sibbie Lemus of Lake Katrine; Teddy Cooper of Cortland and Tiffany (Clay) Martinez of Dryden; his siblings, Dale Beck,  Cynthia Centers and Mona Shoap, all of Michigan as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday March 25, 2023 at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 US Route 11, Homer. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, Homer.

Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions in Mr. James’ name may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

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