James E. Babcock

James E. Babcock (65) of 1228 Hook Road passed away Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 at home following an illness, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Babcock was born on May 28, 1945 in Olean and was a son of Ira and Josephine Prevesk Babcock. On May 21, 1970 he married his wife Deborah L. Van Camp, who survives. Mr. Babcock served in the U.S. Navy from July 26, 1963 to Sept. 11, 1969. He worked for both Olean Tile and Stroehmann Bakeries for a number of years before moving to Farmington in 1973. He worked at the Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington with the race horses as a Groomer and later a Valet. He retired from there in 2004. He enjoyed playing golf, playing cards but most of all he loved is family and enjoyed spending time with them and even taking many trips to Florida. Surviving Mr. Babcock besides his wife of 40 years are three children, Kathleen D. Babcock at Home, Nichole C. Babcock of West Palm Beach Fl., and Jeffrey J. Babcock of Orlando Fl.; two grandchildren children, Sierra & Quinton Babcock; two brothers, Edward (Kathy) Babcock of Farmington, and Thomas Babcock of Farmington; a special aunt, June Giunta of Olean; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Babcock was pre-deceased by four brothers and sisters. Friends will be received on Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home Inc. #646 E. State Street Olean from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and which time a graveside committal service will held in the Veteran Field of Honor in Mt. View Cemetery, Olean. The Rev. William T. Lowers, Sr. Co-Pastor of the Valley Chapel Free Methodist Church in Warsaw will officiate. Full military honors will be accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Herbal Post 892 ritual team. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Allegany American Legion Charles Herbal Post 892 ritual team.