Obituary of James H. McCuin

North Lawrence – Mr. James H. McCuin, 70, passed away on Thursday July 23, 2020 at the University of Vermont, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburg with his family by his side. Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Jim was born on Wednesday December 14, 1949 in Potsdam, the son of the late Howard and Mary (O'Neil) McCuin. He graduated from Holy Family in Massena, class of 1967 and received his Associates degree in Business Administration from Canton ATC. On December 29, 1971 he married Rita Burns at the St. Lawrence Church in North Lawrence and they had two boys, Christopher, and Jeffrey. Jim was a proud Veteran with 13 years combined services in the United States Army, Army Reserve and N.Y. Army Reserve National Guard. While serving he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, and was classified as a Sharpshooter M-16, and Expert M-14, earning an honorable discharge. As a certified Journeyman Machinist, he was employed by ALCOA for 32 years. Jim was also the owner and operator of Deer River Stump Removers. Not only serving as the Justice of the Peace for many years, Jim was a big supporter of his town and community being involved in several capacities; past Fire Chief for North Lawrence Fire Department, past Treasurer for the North Lawrence Recreation Assoc., past President for the Town of Lawrence Democratic Club, coached Little League, was a member of the NYS Magistrates Assoc., St. Lawrence County Fire Chief Assoc, and Town of Lawrence Historical Society. He is survived by: his wife of 48 years, Rita, 2 sons, Christopher McCuin and his wife Heather, and Jeffrey McCuin; 2 grandsons, Sean and Kyle McCuin; 3 sisters, Ellen (Phil) Dello Stritto, Patricia (Dale) Bliss, Nancy (Robert) Lewis; his brother, Robert (Debbie) McCuin as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hammill Funeral Home - Winthrop 653 State Highway 11C, Winthrop. Due to NYS mandates, masks will be required, and social distancing will be maintained. James’s Funeral Service and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately. Public Burial with Military Honors will take place Thursday July 30th at 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Cemetery in North Lawrence. Flowers are respectfully declined. Please consider contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please connect with Jim’s family on the Tribute Wall section of his obituary on our website at www.hammillfh.com.