James F. Hanft

Sidney, NY

James F. Hanft 94 of Sidney passed away Friday, March 11, 2011 at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford.

He was born June 3, 1916 to the late Henry and Nellie (Tyler) Hanft in Gloversville, NY.

Jim graduated from Gloversville High School in 1933 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country during WWII from 1942 to 1945 and was honorably discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant. Jim received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon.

He married Florence MacDonald on December 11, 1943 in Columbus, OH. She predeceased him on June 17, 2009.

Jim was employed as a planning supervisor for the Bendix Corp. in Sidney when he retired in 1977.

Jim and Florence were dedicated members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Sidney.

Jim is survived by:

Niece - Fay Stockwell, Raleigh, NC and her children Kevin and Sara Stockwell, April Stockwell, NC

Niece -Joyce and Bruce Alexander, Sidney

And their children - Sue and David Pickens, CA

Donna and Les Eggleton, Plattsburg

Ralph and Karen Alexander, MN

Niece Karen Russi, CA and her daughter Kim Burney, CA

Nephew - Fred Mertz, Sidney and his children Eric Mertz, Ashlee and Tom Donahue

Niece - Elsa MacDonald, Sidney and her family

Brother-in-law - Jerome Mertz, Sidney

James was also predeceased by his Brother, Richard Hanft

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Sidney.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Sidney Community Foundation for the Veterans Memorial Park PO Box 333 Sidney, NY 13838

Expressions of sympathy may be sent online at www.landersfh.com

Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney.