HERKIMER-James Bernard Dexter JB age 81 formerly of Westwood Drive passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon March 19, 2012 in the Presbyterian Home, New Hartford. He was born on October 7, 1930 in Cochecton, son of the late Ralph W. and Roberta Cornwell Dexter. Jim was raised in Narrowsburg and was a graduate of Narrowsburg Central School. He furthered his education, graduating from New York State Ranger School. On August 20, 1951 he entered the US Army during the Korean War. He served in Washington DC as well as a specialized unit for testing nuclear bombs in NV. He was honorably discharged on August 19, 1953 attaining the rank of Corporal. Mr. Dexter came to Herkimer in 1963 coming from Northville. On March 27, 1965 he was united in marriage with the former Elsie (Howe) Dewan in Herkimer. They shared a loving and devoted union of thirty-two years until her passing on January 5, 1998. He was employed as a licensed land surveyor for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in Herkimer until his retirement. Surveying was not only his career, it was his lifelong passion. He held membership with the American Congress of Surveying & Mapping the, New York State Society of Professional Land Surveyors and the Mohawk Valley Society of Professional Land Surveyors. He was an avid skier and true lover of nature and the outdoors. Mr. Dexter had a strong belief in God and was a member of the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls. To all who knew him they will never forget a sincere, caring and helpful man. He enjoyed doing for others and looking for nothing in return. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. He is survived by four step children, Thomas Elliot and Patricia Dewan of Staunton, VA, Patrick Kenneth and Shari Dewan of Myrtle Beach, SC, William and Barbara Dewan of Grand Prairie, TX, Susan Marie Dewan of Freeville, one brother William R. Dexter and his wife Jennie of Narrowsburg, two sisters, Barbara Myer and her husband Clifford of Milford, PA, Doris Roda and her husband Warren of Otisville, grandchildren, Caitlin Dixon, Brady Dewan, Karin Herron, Mary Brady, William Dewan, Kristin Micheal, Julie Dewan, Todd Dewan and Craig Dewan, eight great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank the staff at the Presbyterian Home for the loving and compassionate care shown during his long stay. Calling hours for Mr. Dexter will be on Thursday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer. Funeral service will take place in the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls on Friday at 11:00 am. The Reverend Janet Gleason, Pastor will officiate. Interment in Boonville Cemetery will take place later this spring at a time to be announced. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Presbyterian Home Restoration Fund, the First United Methodist Church Herkimer/Little Falls, or the Parkinson Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.