James Francis Egan

James Francis Egan, 78, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2017. He was born on January 08, 1939, son of the late Francis and Rita Egan and predeceased by his wife, Alyce Elliott Egan who died October 18, 2009.

A life well lived, Jim was always surrounded by family and friends - all of whom loved him dearly. From birth through education, career, and into his retirement, Jim was forever attached to Ithaca. As a youth living near his parent's grocery store, Egan's IGA in College town, as well as spending summers at the cottage on Cayuga Lake, he was always able to find fun and often had mischievous adventures. Nearby on the lake, and even closer in high school homeroom, was his one true love, Alyce Elliott. They were inseparable from the time they began dating which ultimately led to marriage in 1958. While Jim attended Ithaca College, childhood turned into adulthood as their family quickly grew beginning in 1959 with the arrival of their daughter Rita, the first of six children, all which arrived in a nine year span. Jim went into the family grocery store business with his first store in Danby then moving on to Lansing where he and Alyce worked side-by-side in owning and operating The Lansing Foodliner until 1994. Jim was a very present father in his children's lives by participating in his children's activities, which made for exciting times. Travel was a commonplace, and a van was regularly loaded for road trips to places as close as New York City or as far away as California. Through this a common theme quickly emerged: if it was worth doing with the family it was even more fun to do it with friends. This was the theme which would permeate all aspects of his life. Acquaintances soon became friends, and friends became family. It wasn't enough to have six kids - exchange students, underprivileged children and friends of his children also became residents at the Egan household. It was this generosity and open-door policy that rewarded him with a vast and rich collection of friends from all aspects of life. The years were busy but once the kids were raised and his work was done at the Lansing store followed by his work at The LaTourelle Inn, Jim was finally able to spend time traveling with his best friend and wife of over 51 years. He and Alyce traveled to most of the fifty states together (with Jim having traveled to all fifty) and six out of seven continents.

Jim was always a selfless provider and that was never more evident than it was during Alyce's battle with Alzheimer's disease. As husband and caregiver, he demonstrated that when you find your true love, that love lasts forever, through good times and bad. His loyalty and devotion was given daily and was a constant inspiration to all of us. We will miss our father and friend always. His demonstrations of love, loyalty, generosity and hard work will be forever remembered and carried on by his children.

Jim is survived by his children; Rita (Ron) Vickroy, Terry Egan, Tami (Dan) Egan Addy, Jamie Egan, Frank (Ana) Egan and Stacey Egan; his grandchildren, Sean and Sarah Vickroy, Patrick Egan, Caroline, Charlotte and Elizabeth Egan and Jacob Egan Boothroyd; his brother, Don (Ann) Egan; sisters, Mary (John) Gutenberger and Betty Watkins and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Gossa Tsegaye who was like a son to Jim and Alyce and Gossa's wife, Elizabeth and daughter, Nile.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2017 from 12 to 4 pm at the LaTourelle Inn, 1150 Danby Rd. He will be laid to rest privately at the Queen of Peace Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to Hospicare of Tompkins County, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or to Hospice of the Valley, 2020 E. Woodside Ct., Gilbert, AZ 85297.

Sunday, November 26, 2017 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

LaTourelle Inn 1150 Danby Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850