James R. Guinn

James R. "Jim" Guinn, 93, a lifelong Norwich resident died on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

Born on June 14, 1931, in Norwich, Jim was the son of the late Ralph and Jessie (Keplinger) Guinn. He attended school in Norwich and spent his early years helping his father on the family farm on Wheeler Ave. In 1948, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served during the Korean War until 1952 including a tour of duty in Korea.

After returning to Norwich, Jim worked with the International Union of Operating Engineers, traveling across New York and the United States to complete major excavation and building projects. Notable among his accomplishments were his work at the Glen Canyon Dam, the Binghamton Airport runway, and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Jim also ran his own paving business, J.R. Paving, where his hard work and dedication earned him respect in the industry.

Jim was a lifelong member of the Alert Hose Company for over 50 years. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Norwich and volunteered for many years at The Place, where he lent his skills for various repair and maintenance projects. A devoted family man, Jim was always there to lend a helping hand to friends and loved ones. He took great pride in teaching his sons and grandsons the trades of plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry, imparting valuable skills that will carry on in his memory.

Above all, Jim cherished time spent with his family and loved any excuse to gather together. He enjoyed traveling on road trips, always ready with a great story to share. His warmth, generosity, and wisdom will be deeply missed by the countless lives he touched.

On February 13, 1953, Jim married Roberta “Bobbi” Schipper, who predeceased him on November 17, 1972.

On April 12, 1975, Jim married Linda Petry, in South New Berlin.

In addition to his wife, Linda Guinn, of Norwich, Jim is survived by his children, James (Rosie) Guinn, of Chula Vista, CA, Darlene Guinn Beckwith, of Sherburne, Jessica (Andrew) Nicastri, of Norwich, Jeremiah (Sheela Mae) Guinn, of Kannapolis, NC, and Danielle (Timothy) Suda, of Guilford, NY; grandchildren, Amy Guinn, Olivia Guinn, Nicole Guinn, Douglas (Jeana) O’Hara, Lance (Stuart) O’Hara, Chad (Jill) O’Hara, Patrick (Lindsay) Shaver, Dylan Donohue, Andrew Donohue, Amelia Guinn, Adam Guinn, Victoria Suda, Isabel Suda, Sophia Suda, and Anna Mae Suda; great-grandchildren, Yessenia, Alycia, Brielle, Evan, Logan, Brayden, Ava, Abby, Luke, Brynn, and Harper; sister-in-law’s, Ginny May and Phyllis Guinn; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his daughter, Deanna; and siblings, Anna Mae (William) Quincy, Bessie (Marris) Brown, Vernon (Donna) Guinn, William (Charlotte) Guinn, Carl (Shirley) Guinn, Roy Guinn, and Donna Guinn.

Jim will be buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery at a private burial. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Jim’s life starting at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the VFW Post 2782, 61 East Main St, Norwich, NY 13815

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 10 West Park Place, Norwich, NY 13815 or to The Place, 22 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.