Submit a PhotoJames Frances Oliver age 90 of Gilbert, Arizona passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on May 31, 2023.
James was one of 12 children to the late Charles J and Helen (Cook) Oliver born August 3, 1932 in Syracuse, New York .
James was drafted out of high school to fight in the Korean War. Upon his return, he married Patricia Onofri (Oliver) in 1954. Happily married for 69 years.
James moved to Liverpool, New York in 1968 to raise his family as he continued his career at Allied Chemical as a supervisor and retired in 1988. Continued working as a contractor for renovations in homes as a trade, and part time for the Town of Salina as an inspector.
He was the type of person who would choose to repair something over buying a new one. He valued hard work, honesty, and the value of a man’s word. He was always there for people in need, had a laughable quote in life “it’s only money”.
James happiest times in life were with family and friends, by traveling, deer hunting, fishing, water skiing and camping.
James was very active in the Liverpool Fire Department in the 70’s. Was certified with the underwater recovery team as a scuba diver. A member with the Liverpool fire Dept as a deputy and proceeded to a Lieutenant, and then onto a captain. Later became Chief of Liverpool Fire Dept.
He had tremendous pride in his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife Patricia (Onofri) Oliver, daughter Debra (Robert) Davis of Gilbert Arizona. His beloved grandchildren Brandon (Gabriela) Davis of Gilbert, AZ, Justin (Christine) Davis of Flagstaff, AZ and Ryan Davis of Mesa, AZ. Four fun loving great -grandchildren Jett, Eleanora, Cadence and Camila Davis. Three sisters, Patricia MacDonald of Zephyrhills, Fl, Mary Eileen (Lou) Jasmin of Chittenango, NY, Sandra Oliver of Edgewater, Fl. A brother Thomas Oliver of Fabius, NY, several nieces and nephews.
James was predeceased by his parents and four sisters Jean Mockler, Shirley, Nancy and Carol Oliver and three brothers Charles, Gerald and Richard Oliver all of New York, and his youngest daughter Lisa Oliver.
The family wishes to thank Cheryl at Absolutely Able Homecare of Scottsdale, AZ , Tony and Heather from Assisted Hospice Care in Phoenix, AZ and our Gilbert Fire Dept Station #5 for all their loving care and support.
Forever in our hearts 💗
Memorial services at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home on Friday , June 16, at 1pm
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So sorry to see this. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers..
Our condolences to the Oliver Family . Mr. Oliver was a great friend to our family, where we all enjoyed talking about current events and sharing laughs . May he rest in peace.
Jim was one of the “Old Guard” along with my dad, Kathy’s dad (Paul Darrow) and all the others we knew as our extended Fire Department Family. A true gentleman, and as kind as a man could be. Our most sincere condolences go out to all of his family and friends. May the best of his memories sustain you through the days ahead.
I am so sorry to hear about your father Deb, I will never forget all the fun we had with the fire dept folks and field days , please give your mom my condolences an fly high with the angels Mr. Oliver!❤️🙏
So sorry for your loss, went to school with Lisa, my dad and jum both served as Liverpool fire fighters, again sorry for you loss
So sorry for your loss, went to school with Lisa, he and his family were dear friends with my family, so sad to see these dear sweet people leaving us, that was the era to be a firefighter family
Patty and family
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I have many fond memories of Jimmy. .
So sorry to hear this. My husband Rick was in the Liverpool Fire department with Jim and my dad Art Larkin worked with Jim for many years at Allied chemical.
So sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of meeting James, and I can honestly say he was a solid guy. R.i.P. Good Sir. GOD Bless his loving family.
Very sorry for your loss. The Chief was a Great Guy! He was always there when you needed a hand or just wanted to talk. Rest in peace Chief Oliver.
Dear Mrs. Oliver,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Your “John Wayne”. I can hear you clear as day calling Jimmy that. I know how much you loved Jimmy. We had a lot of good times on Valley Road. Jimmy was a generous man with a lot of talent. I remember thinking how fortunate Mickey was to have you both right Nextdoor. You both were The Best neighbors!!! You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers. As Jimmy would want, you take care of yourself until your Heavenly reunion with your “John Wayne”. Love and miss you soooo much. XXXXX OOOOO
My heartfelt condolences to Aunt Patty, Deb and family, Aunt Pat, Aunt Eileen, Aunt Sandy and Uncle Tom. Uncle Jimmy was a good man and I always enjoyed visiting with him. He has left you all with a lifetime of memories. May they always bring a smile to your faces,
My heartfelt condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear Patty, Deb and family, My heartfelt condolences to each of you. I am so grateful for the friendship we shared over the years (starting at Pitney Bowes) and will continue to share. Prayers, love and hugs to each of you❣️🙏
Sending love and prayers for you all. Jim was such a wonderful man. I will always remember how helpful he was in Murrieta and loved just sitting and chatting with you both while the boys spent time together. Always in your heart….
So sorry for your loss…He was a big personality and remember that’s where you all got it!
Dear Pat and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I do remember Jim and what a very kind person he was. Praying for your peace and comfort at this very difficult time . Joyce
Jimmy brought so many smiles to our neighborhood. We loved hearing his many stories. What a gentle and kind man. He will be missed.
We are praying that the family finds peace and strength during this time. We are so sorry to hear of his passing just know you all are in our thoughts. He was an amazing man.
When we moved to Temecula we became fast friends with Jimmy and Patty!! We were neighbors and Patty would bless our family with her famous sphegetti and Jimmy would help us with house stuff! We had our first baby and then another and Jimmy and Patty became family to us. We talk about you both and the wonderful memories and kindness you both shared with us! Praying for Patty and your precious family.