June 5, 1954 – July 23, 2025
John R. Ames, “loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother”
Ischua- John R. Ames, 71, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.
A lifelong resident of Ischua, he was born on June 5, 1954. He was the son of Joseph N. Ames and Sue Rogers Ames Hale. He married Nancy Messer on April 30, 1977, and together they raised three children: Melissa, Kathryn, and Brian.
John was a 1972 graduate of Ten Broeck Academy in Franklinville, where he lettered in three sports: football, basketball, and track. He went on to study accounting at RIT, where he graduated in 1976. He retired from Dresser-Rand in January 2012 after a 36-year career. Following his retirement, he served the Hinsdale Central School District as Claims Auditor for 13 years.
John dedicated his life to serving his community. He was a member of the Ischua Volunteer Fire Department, joining in 1970 and serving as secretary/treasurer for nearly 50 years. After the passing of his father, he assumed the responsibility of ensuring the continued success of Ischua BINGO.
He was a member of the Board of Education at HCS for 25 years and coached fifth and sixth-grade basketball for many of those years.
John was a dedicated member of the Ischua Union Church, serving as the chairman of the Central Committee for over three decades. He was also instrumental in bringing the Hinsdale/Ischua Food Pantry to community residents.
John will be remembered for his selflessness, kindness, and wisdom. He was generous with his time and was never too busy to lend a hand to someone in need. He enjoyed spending time outside on the land where he and Nancy built their home. John loved spending time with his family, as he and Nancy devoted their lives to each other and their children. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home. He loved his children dearly and was so proud of the adults that they have become.
Later in life, he found his greatest joy spending time with his grandchildren. He was there to encourage and support them in all of their endeavors. He loved watching them grow up and pursue their interests, always in the role of proud and supportive grandpa.
John is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 48 years; their children, Melissa (David) Skurzewski, Kathryn (John) Canty, and Brian (Brenna) Ames; grandchildren Nolan, Leah, Paige, Luke, Andrew, William, Hannah, Isaac; siblings JoAnn (Mick) Viglietta and Joelle Hyson; several in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother, Sue Hale, his father, Joe Ames, and Joe’s wife, Sharon.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Obi Community Church, 1948 Route 305, Cuba, NY 14727. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Obi Community Church at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow at the Ischua Bingo Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ischua Union Church, Ischua Volunteer Fire Dept., or to the Hinsdale/Ischua Food Pantry.
Arrangements are under the direction of Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com.
