James Edward Euken, 74, of Belmont, NY, passed away
Saturday, August 8, 2020 in his home following a long and courageous battle
with Parkinson’s disease.
Born February 20, 1946, in Wellsville, he was the son of
Frank and D. Helene Ives Euken. On July 31, 1971, in Salamanca, he married the
former Molly A. Kelly, who survives.
Jim graduated from Wellsville Central School, the State
University of Buffalo, and the University of Buffalo law school with a Juris
Doctor degree. He then went into practice with Wayne Feeman and Tim Barron.
After serving as the county public defender for several years, he was elected
Allegany County District Attorney and served in that capacity for thirteen
years. Following that he was elected and served as a county judge for another
thirteen years until his retirement in 2010.
Jim enjoyed the excitement of the oil and gas world, making
many friends and having many adventures. His other pleasures included playing
horseshoes and walking in the woods with his dog Maddie.
His real joy came from spending time with his wife and family:
daughter Caitlin Perry and grandchildren Ian, Morgan, Ryland, Holden, Alex,
Evan, and Brock, all nearby in Wellsville. A special thanks for helping with
his care in the last years goes to Steve LaChance, Bonnie Schettine, Crystal
Hogan, and Tina Shafer’s group of caregivers, including Lori Bowker, Marlene
Bartoo, Sally McDowell, and more. Because of the threat of coronavirus, there
will be no visitation.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m., Friday, August 14, 2020 in Immaculate Conception Church in
Wellsville. CDC and NYS Department of Health guidelines apply.
A private graveside service will be held in Sacred Heart
Cemetery, Wellsville. A gathering celebrating Jim’s life will be held on a
later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Mulholland-Crowell,
Wellsville.
Memorials may be made to the Pioneer Oil and Gas Museum of
Bolivar, the Belmont Library and Historical Society, the Belmont Fire
Department, Amity Rescue Squad, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online
condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
