Obituary of James Louis Emery

James L. Emery of Summerville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on October 26 at the age of 90. Jim was born in Lakeville, New York, to James and Ruth Emery and was the fifth of their six children. He graduated from Livonia Central School and attended the College of Business Administration of the University of Cincinnati. Following his college graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as 1st Lieutenant, where he served in the Military Police; he remained in the Air Force Reserves, Office of Special Investigations, retiring after 30 years with the rank of Colonel. After his stint in the Air Force, Jim returned to Lakeville and joined the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department. He was appointed Undersheriff and then elected Sheriff, at the age of 26, the youngest person ever to serve in that capacity in New York State. After 5 years as Sheriff, he was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1965 and became the Minority Leader in 1979. In the Assembly, he fought to make sure that his constituents in Western New York had a voice in the state, and while always looking out for them, was able to work with other legislatures to get things accomplished for the good of the state. In 1982, he was nominated to run for Lieutenant Governor on the Republican ticket with gubernatorial candidate Louis Lehrman, the only election he ever lost. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan nominated Jim for the position of Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, and he was confirmed by the Senate for that position in 1984 for a term of seven years.  While with the Seaway, he expanded international trade throughout the Great Lakes.  In 1991, Jim "retired" to the Carolinas, but could not get politics out of his system and remained as passionate as ever.  He donated his vast knowledge and experience to numerous elected officials and played an integral role in the reelection and election of several prominent Congressmen, State Legislatures and a Governor.  Very few could work a room and remember a name like Jim. He remained energetic throughout his life.  In 1995, Jim met Sandi and the two spent the remainder of his life caring for each other and their numerous children, grand-children and great-grandchildren,  Jim loved Summerville and instantly became involved in the community and especially their church, Bethany United Methodist Church.

Jim is survived by his  loving wife of 23 years, Sandra (“Sandi”) Emery; sons James L. Emery, Jr. (Mary Anne) and Jon S. Emery (Tammy); stepsons Patrick (Leslie) Flanagan and Kevin Willard; stepdaughter Kim Willard-Kinney; sister Ruth H. Sidorowicz; grandchildren Caitlin (Dominik) Müschenborn, Megan, Annie, and Jacob Emery; step-grandchildren Houghton, Eliza, and Laney Flanagan; Thomas, Kyle, and Chase Kinney; Cody and Evangeline Willard; great-grandchildren Levi Booth, Ayden Dhillon, and Maia Müschenborn; step-great-grandson Jax Kinney; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was affectionately known as “Papa” to all his grandchildren. Jim was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and two brothers, stepson Kemp Willard, and granddaughter Bryna Emery.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 1:00 at Bethany United Methodist Church, 118 W 3rd St, Summerville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• The Summerville Miracle League, Attn: Jimery Memorial Fund, PO Box 100, Summerville, SC 29484
• Bethany United Methodist Church, Attn: Jim Emery Memorial Fund, 118 W 3^rd S St.,Summerville, SC 29483