Obituary of James J. Monaghan

Jim Monaghan, 93, of Vestal, NY passed away peacefully on February 27, 2022 at Mercy House in Endicott, NY with his daughter Betsy at his side. Jim was born on March 24th 1928, in Ashland, Pennsylvania to Bernard and Mary Haley Monaghan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters Rosemary Reichwein and Marguarite Monaghan IHM as well as a great aunt, Annie Fisher, who raised him from the age of 2 months following the death of his mother. Jim was also predeceased by his beloved dog, Duke. He is survived by his wife, the former Karen Kennedy, son James P. Monaghan (Jennifer Purcell) Summit, NJ, daughter Betsy Kocik (DJ King) Apalachin, NY and grandson Collin Kocik (Kirstin Fuller) Vestal, NY and nephew Bobby Reichwein. Jim attended St. Joseph's High School in Ashland, PA. He was a graduate of Bloomsburg University and SUNY Oneonta. He was employed by the Vestal Central School District from 1961 to 1987 as a teacher in the Business Dept. and later a counselor in the Guidance Department. Jim was a veteran of the US Army during the Korean Conflict. Jim was an avid reader, especially anything regarding history or politics. He enjoyed watching many sports on television, but by far his favorite sport was golf. He played in leagues for many years and made his famous hole-in-one at Tall Pines Golf Course June 19th, 2014. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at their favorite diner. He loved everything related to his Irish heritage and made several trips to Ireland. He was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Vestal, NY. He was outgoing and social and always wanted to know all about anyone he was speaking with. He was kind, humble, smart and so very funny. His family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Mercy House for their care and compassion. The family will receive friends at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main St., Vestal, NY on March 18, 2022, from 10 to 11a.m. A prayer service will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mercy House, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott, NY 13760.