Obituary of James Arthur Seidel

GENEVA – James Seidel, 72, passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at home with his loving family at his side. There will be no calling hours or memorial mass. A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sat. (Oct. 2), at Woody's Bar and Grill, 2468 NY-414, Waterloo, NY. James was born on December 17, 1948 in Geneva, NY. He was the son of the late Albert and Phyllis (Cowan) Seidel. He graduated from DeSales High School in Geneva in 1966. He had an associate's degree from Community College of the Finger Lakes. He served his country in the United States Army as a medic. He was attached to the 549th Medical Company in Wurzburg, Germany from 1968 through 1970 where he and his wife began their married life of 52 years. He was the heart of the Geneva Post office in Geneva for 42 years and served as the president of the clerks union for most of those years. If there was a question anyone needed answered, nerves to be soothed, trouble to be solved or just a listening ear, James was the person to go to. He served as a clerk, supervisor, and jack of all trades. James was an avid reader, a philosopher, and a lover of a good conversation. He was interested in most things religious and philosophical and did extensive reading and research in both areas. He was a lover of all kinds of music and an expert on film. He loved a good game of tennis and was known to play 7 days a week in his younger years. He played tennis with a great and evolving group of friends for many years and enjoyed the social aspect of the game more than anything. James was a dedicated member of the St Stephen's folk group for over 40 years. He continued that ministry with the St. Francis, St. Stephens's choir after the adult folk group disbanded. The children's choir brought him great joy. His voice was as he was, soothing, soft, gentle, powerful and full of meaning. No one who heard him sing in any venue soon forgot it. His kindness was paramount. His gift of song was a blessing to us all. He is survived by his loving wife, Luellen "Bunni" (Bruno) of Geneva; sons Justin (Alissa Hudon) Seidel of Syracuse and Christopher (Kimberly Oddi) Seidel of Geneva; sister Marilyn (Dave) Callender of San Diego, California; grandchildren, Ella Jane and Marleigh Ann Seidel; niece, Melissa Callender and sister in law Irene Becker of Atlanta Georgia. James was predeceased by his brother, Phillip Seidel. … "May your heart always be joyful - And may your song always be sung. May you stay forever young." … Bob Dylan