James W. Showman

James W. Showman

“Jim”

Ontario – Jim passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at age 64.  He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Grace Showman.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Cindy Showman; children, Daniel (Jamie), Erich, and Stephen (Maggie) Showman; grandchildren, Charles, Grace, and Evelyn; sister, Sara (Bruce) Weaver; aunt, Ginger Clawson; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

Jim was a retired police officer, having started his career as a civilian employee in the records office at the Wayne County Sheriff's Department in 1976. He was hired as a patrolman with the Sodus Point Police Department in 1978 (which was when he met his wife, Cindy), and from there, Jim continued his career with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and Palmyra Police Department. Shortly after his transfer to Palmyra, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant which he held until his retirement. Over his career as a police officer, he was a DARE Officer, Juvenile Officer, Field Training Instructor, Basic Training Instructor for the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy, and numerous other certifications. Jim retired in 2014, having completed 39 and a half years in law enforcement.

Throughout his life, Jim served his community in many ways. In 1974, Jim achieved the Eagle Scout award, the highest rank in scouting.  He was a Boy Scout Leader and Committee Chairman for Pack and Troop 126. During his leadership, his three sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, as well. He was a Little League Baseball Coach for the Ontario Recreation Association for several years.  He was a member of the Ridge Christian Softball Team and played shortstop and then 3rd Base for St. Mary's of the Lake Church.

Jim was elected as a town councilman and also served on the zoning board for the town of Ontario. He was recently elected to the Wayne Central School District Board of Education. 

He became a Free & Accepted Mason, following in his father Bill’s footsteps. He served as the Master of Wayne Lodge #416 in Ontario for 2 years and assisted in the merger with the Marion Lodge. He served as a trustee and assisted with numerous community events during the past several years. 

He joined the Blue Knights IV Motorcycle club in 2017 and took many rides around NYS and the East coast with his wife, Cindy. He loved his motorcycle (bright yellow #237, appropriately named the short bus) and the wonderful friends he met along the way.  

He loved camping with Cindy and their friends, loved fishing, feeding the birds and his squirrels, traveling around the country and playing with his grandchildren in Colorado.                                                                  

Jim was a friend to all who knew him. He cherished his family and friends, was a quick wit and able to give reasonably good advice to all who sought his wisdom. He loved history and was the master of useless trivia. He will be sorely missed by many family and friends.

Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4-8 PM on Monday (February 22) at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 5823 Walworth Rd., Ontario, NY. To best accommodate those who wish to attend with Covid protocol, please register a time by clicking the tab below.

A Memorial Mass for Jim will be offered on Tuesday (February 23), 10 AM at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Jim will be laid to rest on Saturday (May 22), 11 AM at Furnaceville Cemetery, Trimble Rd., Ontario, NY.

Contributions in Jim’s memory may be directed to Ontario Food Pantry, PO BOX 314, Ontario, NY 14519 or to a charity of your choice. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit Jim’s tribute wall, www.murphyfuneralservices.com.

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