Fey. James W. Dr.

Dr. James W. Fey of Waverly, formerly of Ithaca passed away at Cayuga Medical Center surrounded by close friends and family on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at the age of 73.

Jim was born in Canastota, New York on November 22, 1944, a son of the late Horace C. and Rena (Williams) Fey. As the youngest in his dental school class at the prestigious Pennsylvania University, Jim earned his nickname Rook. Following dental school, Jim served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1972. Soon after his service he returned to New York and established his residence in Trumansburg. Jim was a staple of both Ithaca and Trumansburg as he operated simultaneous practices in both locations. He was an avid outdoors man and sports enthusiast who frequented Cornell Hockey games. He served a number of years as the President of Trumansburg’s Board of Education and was also a valued member of the Trumansburg Rotary Club.

Dr. Fey was a philanthropist who along with his wife Kathryn have been instrumental in several volunteer organizations to include the Dream Factory and Smiles For Life. During his free time, Jim could be found either golfing, or traveling with his wife and friends. Always the life of the party, Jim will be remembered as a true friend to a multitude of people. He was always good for a joke, and had that special kind of personality that made it easy to adore his company. He may be best remembered as the man with a glass of gin and olives in one hand, a cigar in the other and a larger than life smile on his face.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathryn Fey; his three children, Matthew (Ambra) Fey, Lauren G. Fey, and Joel J. (Heather) Fey; 10 grandchildren, Jakob, Kenna, Sawyer, Reeder, Avery, Bela, Jackson, Jazmyne, Kaden, and Kendyl; brother, John D. (Patricia) Fey; step children, Nathan (Blaire) Constable, Amber Constable, and Rodney (Kimberly) Constable; four step grandchildren, Makayla, Callahan, Cecelia, and Parker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Fey; and parents, Horace and Rena Fey.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at the Hillendale Golf Course located at 218 Applegate Road North, Ithaca NY on August 4, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those to make a donation in James’ memory to the Dream Factory of Central New York, PO Box 4431, Ithaca, NY 14852.