James “Jim” Tully

James (Jim) Richard Tully, 75, of North Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully at home Sunday February 26, 2023, surrounded by his family. Jim was born December 10, 1947 in Hermon, NY and grew up in Pulaski, NY. He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Marjorie (Maine) Tully. Survived by his wife of 54 years Deborah (Barfoot) Tully, his son James (Kristine) Tully of Fairfield, CT, his daughter Kimberly Tully of Bryn Mawr, PA, and his grandchildren Teagan, Peyton, and Ryan Tully. 

A graduate of New England College, he taught English and journalism for over thirty years, retiring from East Syracuse Minoa Central High School in 2003. He and his wife had a golf club repair business in the 1970s and 1980s. He was an avid golfer, played in amateur tournaments in his youth, and was a member of several golf courses in the CNY region throughout his life. After retirement, he briefly produced a local golf newspaper called CNY Tee Shots and attended the Masters several times. 

He loved music, especially 60s classics and Motown groups like The Temptations, and he shared this love of music with his daughter. He loved going to concerts with his wife and friends. He saw the Beach Boys in concert several times over many decades, including one last time with his wife on their anniversary last year. He owned three Corvettes over the course of his life and was always looking for the next one.
An avid sports fan, he coached his son's Little League teams at Taft Road Little League for several years, winning the District 8 championship in 1983. In recent years, he loved watching all three of his grandchildren play basketball and other sports. He was a Syracuse University football and basketball season ticket holder. He loved participating in his fantasy baseball league and going on road trips to Yankee games and other sporting events.
He was happiest at home with family, friends, and his beloved Golden Retrievers. 

Calling hours are Monday March 6th from 4-6pm at Sears Middleton Mathewson Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St., N. Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name can be made to Hospice of CNY.

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