Obituary of James W. Savard

James W. Savard, age 75, passed away on April 17, 2010. Born on September 29, 1934 in Tupper Lake, New York, Jim earned his nickname, "Eagle Eye," for his unmatched talents in basketball. Serving as varsity team captain, Jim established a personal and league record for scoring which remained uncontested until very recently. During his high school career, Jim also proved his capabilities in a wide array of athletics, achieving varsity letters and many accolades for his performance in track and field and football, a tradition of excellence that he would continue throughout his life. In January, 2000, Jim was inducted into the Tupper Lake Hall of Fame. Jim served in the Marine Corps (1953-1956) and in later years, proudly wore his favorite tee shirt emblazoned with the motto, "Not as lean, not as mean, still a Marine." Ever proud of his ability to tackle any challenge no matter how daunting, Jim often cited his legendary descent on Lake Placid's Olympic ski jump ramp (while riding his bike). In 1950, Jim met his future wife and life partner, Suzanne (LaPlante) while she was vacationing with family in Tupper Lake. Married November 24, 1957, the pair embarked on a 52-year long journey, creating a loving family together with their four children, Shelly (Don) Roberts, Kerry (Vicki- predeceased) Savard, Tracy (Michelle) Savard, and Kim (Jason) Condon, and nine beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Katie, Mackenzie, Dylan (Roberts), Kristin, Jakob (Savard), Talia, Nolan, and Kieran (Condon). Bolstered by Suzanne's encouragement and support, Jim earned his Masters in Education from SUNY Brockport and devotedly and passionately taught eighth grade Social Studies for 26 years, until his retirement in 1989. An iconic faculty member at Brockport Middle School, "Mr. Savard" was best known for his tough teaching style, coupled with his unwavering belief that even the hardest students to reach deserved an opportunity to learn and be encouraged. Jim and Sue's union created a lifetime of adventures, exploring a seemingly endless array of interests. A self-proclaimed "Renaissance Man," Jim was enthusiastic about everything he pursued, from singing tenor in his barbershop quartet and chorus to cooking, gardening, bowling, golf, beekeeping, and even clogging, to name just a few. A true son of the Adirondacks, Jim was the consummate outdoorsman, with a talent for camping, canoeing, hunting and fishing. Of all his pursuits, Jim loved life best of all. He understood the importance of living for the moment and reveled in the countless connections he made with friends and family throughout his life. Despite extended bouts of chronic illness (and many miraculous comebacks), he kept us all laughing, teasing and loving throughout it all. Calling hours will be held Thursday, April 22nd at Fowler Funeral Home in Brockport between the hours of 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Please join family and friends in celebration of his life on Friday, April 23rd at 11 a.m. at the Newman Catholic Center at SUNY Brockport. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ATTN: Tribute Gifts Church Street Station P.O. Box 780 New York, NY 10008-0780 Strong Memorial Hospital's Palliative Care Unit University of Rochester Gift and Donor Records 300 East River Road P.O. Box 270032 Rochester, NY 14627