Obituary of Donald James Waters

Donald "Jim" James Waters, age 81, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home, on January 24, 2013. He was born September 9, 1931, in Rome to the late John Clinton and Mary Burns Waters. He graduated from St. Aloyuis Academy, received a Bachelor's Degree in Physics from Utica College and a Master's Degree in Systems Management from University of Southern California. Jim was united in marriage to the former Carol Gardinier, on October 1, 1955, in St. Peter's Church; she died May 4, 2012. He was employed at RADC at Griffiss Air Force Base, retiring after 37 years of service. He faithfully and proudly served in the U.S. Army. Jim was very active in the community. He was a member of St. Mary's/St. Peter's Church; where he served as an usher, a member and Past Grand Knight of Rome Council 391, Knights of Columbus, and member and Trustee of the Rome Historical Society, where he was awarded the Medal of the Order of 1777 in 2004, for faithful and dedicated service, and the Rome Hospital Board. He also was a member of the Lake Delta Yacht Club, and the Toccolana Club. He enjoyed woodworking and crafting kitchen and household gadgets and decorations which he always gave to friends or donated to fund raising projects. Jim is survived by three sons and daughters in law, James C. and Nancy Waters of Coventry, RI, Michael P. and Sheila Waters of Rome, Dennis Waters and daughter in law, Deon Waters of Rome; a sister, Dolores W. Cornish of Rome; a brother, John "Jack" F. Waters of Rome; eight grandchildren, Brooke, Crystal and Summer Waters, Heather Davies and fiancé, Steven Williams, Christopher Waters, Andrea Creighton and husband, Aaron, Mikaila Waters, and Colin Waters and fiancée Molly Kerker; and two great grandchildren, Cole and Ryan Creighton. He was predeceased by a son, Patrick C. Waters, and a brother, Robert E. Waters. A Memorial Mass of the Resurrection will be held Wednesday at 10:30 AM at St. Peter's Church. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rome Historical Society. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com