James M. (Jim) Failing

Fort Plain - James M. (Jim) Failing, 78, of Fort Plain, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at his home with his loving wife by his side.

 He was born September 4, 1943, in Little Falls, the son of the late Robert C. and Mary (Gressler) Failing and was a proud graduate of St. Johnsville High School.

 Mr. Failing was a United States Air Force veteran, enlisting on September 11, 1962 and was honorably discharged on April 6, 1966 with the rank of Airman First Class.

 Jim met the love of his life on a blind date and was married to Mary Corbishley on October 14, 1967 in Syracuse, NY. They spent 54 years together of wedded bliss.

 For many years, Jim, along with his brother, Robert, were owners and operators of Robert C. Failing Ford dealership in St. Johnsville, NY along with Failing Family Enterprises. In 1989, Jim moved with his family to the Syracuse area, his wife’s hometown.  Jim retired as a parts representative for Burdick Ford in Central Square, NY in 2006.

 Jim was best known for his love of family and his hometown of St. Johnsville and anything Mohawk Valley. He was especially proud of his roots, and shared stories with many through the years. Jim enjoyed everything classic cars and loved beachside vacations with his best friend and love of his life. Since returning to the Valley to live out his final golden years, he was always seen with his four-legged sidekick, Riley.

 Jim believed in being there for his community and was a volunteer firefighter in St. Johnsville for over 25 years. After receiving a cornea transplant, he became actively involved in the Lions Club.  When he relocated back to the Valley area in 2013, he became engaged with the American Legion and spent many hours volunteering with them.

 Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary; his loving daughters, Elaine (Joseph) Nalli, Kristine (John “Spike”) Brown, and Janine Backman (Omar Ramos); his cherished grandchildren, Sarena Brown (Jessica Reed), Chad Backman and Karl Backman; his brother, Robert C. Failing, Jr. and wife Marion; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 pm from the Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal St., Fort Plain, NY. with Rev. Nancy Ryan officiating. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at the church on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 12:00 pm until the time of the services. Out of an abundance of caution during this season of COVID-19, the family requests that masks be worn in church. There will be no Fellowship Gathering following the service, however the family looks forward to seeing you in the spring for his interment and a Fellowship Gathering will be following at that time. Burial in Fort Plain Cemetery with full military honors accorded will take place at that time. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to either the Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal St., Fort Plain, NY 13339 or to the St. Johnsville Volunteer Fire Department, 6 W. Main St., St. Johnsville, NY 13452. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY 518-568-7040. 

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