James M. Niefer

James Mead (Jim) Niefer of Good Shepherd Village, Endicott, New York died December 4, 2018 at age 88. Jim was born October 8, 1930 in Newark Valley, New York, son of the late James Magill Niefer and Anna Mead Niefer. Jim was predeceased on May 12, 2010 by his wife of 50 years Anna DiRusso (Ann) Niefer. He is survived by Mark James Niefer of Washington DC, Kimberly Ann Niefer of Ithaca NY and David Louis Niefer and daughter-in-law Mary Ellen T. Niefer (Cheevers) and their children Eden, James, and Margo of Chenango Bridge, NY and brother-in-law, Anthony DiRusso of India.

After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War, Jim graduated from Broome Tech in Binghamton with a degree in Electrical Technology. He subsequently accepted a position with New York State Electric and Gas Corp. (NYSEG) as Safety Director in the Ithaca, Auburn, and Geneva areas and later accepted a position in Ithaca with the Corporate Insurance Department. During his 39 years with NYSEG, Jim served on several committees for various national utility organizations. He retired in 1994 as Assistant Secretary.

Jim met and married Anna DiRusso, in Ithaca. Both avid golfers, they enjoyed the companionship of friends, family and anyone they met on the golf course. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Sperlonga on the Italian Mediterranean in July 2009 with their entire family and Anna’s relatives from Fondi, Italy.

Jim was active in various community organizations as an officer or director including Ithaca Jaycees, West Hill Civic Association, YMCA, Cub Scouts, and Country Club of Ithaca. He was elected to and served a term on the Ithaca City School District Board of Education. He most recently served as a member of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Board of Appeals.

At Jim's request there will be no calling hours or service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Ithaca and Tompkins County YMCA at 50 Graham Road West, Ithaca, NY 14850 for the benefit of the “Kids to Camp” program. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.