Obituary of James A. Proper

James A. Proper, age 70, of Ransomville died Saturday September 22, 2012 at his residence while under the loving care of his family and Niagara Hospice. James was born August 5, 1942 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late John and Stella (Padlo) Proper. A lifelong resident of Ransomville, he graduated in 1959 from Lewiston Porter High School. James was a U.S. Navy Veteran of Vietnam, serving from 1962 to 1966 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of EM 3. He married Helen (Hayes) Proper on April 9, 1966. James was employed by GM Harrison Radiator in Lockport for 30 years, retiring as a Floor Inspector in 1998. He was very proud of his home which he built with his own hands in 1980. A talented mechanic, Jim worked on stock cars, especially the Freddy Butz race team for many years. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, the Ransomville Speedway, boating, his new Corvette, and dancing the "Texas Two Step". He is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, Patti (Jesse Sr.) Buzzard and Steven (Kim) Proper both of Ransomville, Christine (Jason) LaRock of Wilson, and Lisa Carney (Brett) Brochey of Lewiston; a sister, Julia (Edward) Moriarty of Medina; 16 grandchildren and his sister in law, Jo-onna "Jody" Hayes of Ransomville. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Tuesday from 7 - 9 pm and Wednesday, September 26, from Noon to 4:00 pm. Funeral Services with Military Honors will begin at 4:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Andrea Hope LaRock Foundation, c/o Ontario Shores Credit Union, PO Box 9 Newfane, NY 14108-0009, the Ransomville Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131, or to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094.