James B. Cleaveland, 80, of Franklin, passed away Jan. 14, 2023.
James was born July 30, 1942 in Greene, the son of Chester and Mary (Seath) Cleaveland.
He graduated from Franklin Central School in 1961. He married Rosemarie Puhm in Gardena, Calif., Sept. 24, 1966.
James worked at Boeing Aircraft in Renton, Wash., as a model maker in the 747 mock-up shop. He also worked as a union mill-man in a Seattle cabinet shop. After he and his wife returned to Franklin, he was a professional tradesman building several homes in the area including his own.
MSG Cleaveland served over 34 years in several U.S. Army and National Guard Units as engineer operations and First Sergeant. He was NCO in charge of planning and development of the National Soccer Hall of Fame Fields in Oneonta and the Sidney Police Station.
NCO in charge of engineer projects in Germany and Schools in Guatemala, he also was with the National Guard support in NYC during 9/11 (Twin Towers). He was decorated with several federal and state awards in his military career.
In civilian life he was a Boy Scout master and commander of the American Legion Post 1689. He served as a town of Franklin code enforcement officer, van driver for Disabled American Veterans for 11 years, traveling to Albany Veteran’s Hospital, and a member of The Franklin Doodlebug club. He enjoyed his 1933 Ford pickup truck and going to car shows, camping and woodworking.
James is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rosemarie; son Todd (Kelly) Cleaveland of Oneonta; daughter Sarah Cleaveland of Franklin; sister Anita Rowell of Newport News, Va., and a brother, David (Karen) Cleaveland of Tivoli; grandchildren Jacob and Katie Sanford and Lilly Cleaveland; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Chester Jr.
Friends are invited to greet the family Saturday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Community Bible Church, 89 Center Street, Franklin, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 1.
Burial with military honors will take place in the spring in Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin.
Donations in James’ honor can be made to Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org).
Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bennettfh.com for the Cleaveland family.
