James "Jim" N. Juras

Jim attended Bishop Duffy High School and he obtained Masters’ Degrees in Latin Studies and Business Management from Niagara University and the University of Buffalo. 

He married Dorothy Sobczyk on June 5, 1971 and they had three children together.  In the early years of his career, he was employed by International Paper and Union Carbide, later retiring in 2001 after 28 years with Occidental Chemical Corporation in Niagara Falls, NY.  

He was a faithful parishioner of St. Peter’s Church in Lewiston, NY where he spent many Sunday afternoons volunteering for post-Mass activities and participating in the Heart & Soul Soup Kitchen Ministry. 

He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading, watching, or attending a variety of auto and home shows, as well as appreciating many “Tuesdays in the Park” Artpark concerts and other Lewiston Village Festivals with his family and friends.  His most favored vacation spots included such destinations as Las Vegas, NV, The Villages, FL, and Seneca Lake, NY. 

Nothing brought a bigger smile to Jim’s face than a baby smiling back at him, a child’s laughter, or the silly pet story of the week.

Jim devoted his life to his family, dedicating a good portion of his retirement years to ensuring each of his children’s homes and cars were in top working order.  He never charged for his family discount services and he often traveled with a toolbox in his trunk until such a time that he was no longer able to do so.  It was in his final years that his children were able to return the many favors that “Dad” did for them in helping upkeep the same home that he had shared for over 44 years with his beloved wife.

Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending down time with his family relaxing at park side summer picnics or at his children’s homes for Sunday dinners and the hockey or football game of the day.  Our fondest memories were spent with him on a summer afternoon in the shade with a radio and a cold one. 

Those closest to him,  will remember Jim as the best backup singer The Eagles never knew.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dorothy (Sobczyk) Juras, two daughters Krista (Paul) Medlock, and Rachel (William) Smith, a son John M. (Diondra) Juras and was the brother-in-law of Marie (late Bill) DeRusha, Patsy (late Herb) Steiner,  Bernadette (Jeff) VanHorn and Robert (late Lorraine) Sobczyk, also several nieces and nephews. 

He was the brother of the late Walter Juras, Jean (Adolph) Jircitano, and Jessie (Matthew) Stempien.

His family will be present  on Wednesday from 6-9 PM at RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street,LEWISTON, NY, where funeral services will be held on  Thursday at 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church, 620 Center Street,  Lewiston, NY, with Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. 

Entombment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in his name to Niagara Hospice. 

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.