HERKIMER-James W. Piper, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning June 2, 2012, in Folts Home, Herkimer. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on April 12, 1933, in Herkimer, son of the late John C. and Agnes McGraw Piper. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he was a graduate of Herkimer High School, United States Navy Technical School and Utica College. Jim was a Korean War veteran, proudly serving with the US Navy. He enlisted in June of 1951, most significantly serving aboard the USS Coates. During that time he was the recipient of the National Defense Medal and the Navy Occupation Medal. He was a Tin Can Sailor in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in June of 1955 attaining the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. On November 23rd, 1955 he was united in marriage with the former Shirley J. Wildey in Saint Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. They shared a blessed and devoted union of fifty years until her passing on March 28, 2006. Mr. Piper first worked for UNIVAC and for over twenty-five years at Mohawk Data Sciences in Herkimer, retiring as a Department Manager in 1987. He was a parishioner of Saint Francis deSales Church, Herkimer and in his retirement years was employed as custodian of Saint Francis deSales Regional Catholic School, which was his favorite employment. Jim was a member of several organizations, his favorites being the Herkimer and East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Departments, the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club and above all, the Misfits Canoe Club. To all who knew him, his greatest joy was his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. To his many friends he will always be remembered as a good natured and caring man. With Jim you always felt warmth and friendship whenever you were with him. He will be greatly missed. Surviving him are a son, Jay F. Piper and his wife Tera of East Herkimer, four daughters and their husbands, Nora C. and George Kornbrust of Frankfort, Karol Anderson of Herkimer and Steve Anderson of Little Falls, Amanda and Anthony Chip Viscomi of Herkimer, Paula and John Dygert of East Herkimer, eleven grandchildren, Kathryn Tulloch and her husband Gideon of Ilion, Ashley Hawkins of Herkimer, Sarah Anderson of Little Falls, Anthony Viscomi, Armand Viscomi, Adrian Viscomi, Alex Dygert, Jordan Riesel, James Piper, Justin Piper all of Herkimer, six great grandchildren, Luke Tulloch of Ilion, Trenton Hawkins of Herkimer, Aleyla Dygert of Herkimer, Gracie Tulloch of Ilion, Lukas Krenichyn and Elaina Krenichyn both of Herkimer, one brother, Dale Butch Piper and his wife Kay of Rochester, a sister Karole and her husband John Schnabel of Williamsville, several nieces, nephews and cousins that he was very fond of. Besides his parents and wife Shirley, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and John Piper, three sisters, Margaret Carboneau, Virginia Wellington, Lois Fenar and a grandson, George Kornbrust. Calling hours for Mr. Piper will be on Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11:00 am in Saint Francis deSales Church, Herkimer. The Reverend Mark Cunningham, Pastor will officiate. The family wishes to thank those who stopped by to help Jim, keep him company, and expressions of genuine concern for him. A special thanks to the staff of Folts Home Rehabilitation Wing who took exceptional care of our father during his last days with us. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to Saint Francis deSales Regional Catholic School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.