Obituary of James Raymond Dence

James Raymond Dence, 72, of the Rockton area of Amsterdam, passed away on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017 with his loving family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born September 2nd, 1944, in Midland, Texas, he was the son of James H. and Majorie A. Murtlow Dence. Jim graduated from the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School Class of 1962 and went on to earn his Associates Degree in Retail from the former Mohawk Valley Community College in 1964. He began his career at Almart Stores in Albany, New York and after being promoted, relocated to Youngstown, Ohio for several years, and then to Wilmington, Delaware. After returning "home" in 1977 he and his wife operated the Rockton Y Market until taking a position with the Montgomery County Department of Social Services, retiring after 20 years of service. Jim enjoyed fishing, and looked forward to his annual Canada trip with his buddies each year. He took great pride in his garden, especially his garlic bed. He served on the commitee for The Rockton Reunion, a great party enjoyed by many. But most of all, he had a deep love for his family, never missing a family gathering, or any of his grandsons events. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Dolores (Brignole), his daughter Leigh (John) Dorr; grandsons, James David "J.D." Haberek and Matthew Thomas "Matt" Haberek; his brother Robert (Nancy) Dence; his sisters Nancy (David) Jinks and Donna Vergona; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Jim is predeceased by his son James Thomas Dence; his parents James and Majorie Dence; his brother-in-law Anthony Vergona and his dear friend William Johnson. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the wonderful care Jim received from Dr. Jeremiah Benoit and Dr. Robert Goslin and the staff at NYOH, along with the nurses and staff of Maria Hall at St. Mary's Hospital. Calling hours will be held from 4pm-7pm on Friday, February 3rd, and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:30pm Saturday, February 4th, 2017 at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY. Interment will take place at a later date at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Truax Road, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NYOH of Amsterdam, 1700 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, NY 12010, or the United Methodist Church, 347 Golf Course Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.