Obituary of James Alden "Jack" Curley

It is with great sadness that the family of James Alden “Jack” Curley announces his passing after a lifelong valiant battle with a rare neurodegenerative condition, on August 31, 2024, at the age of 41 years.

Jack was born on October 24, 1982 in Oneonta, NY to his loving parents David and Kathleen Curley.  He attended Delaware Academy and BOCES, acquiring specialized skills in office practices before receiving his diploma in 2001. Jack was an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and was recognized for selling the most fruit during an annual fundraiser.

He had a love for all animals, especially horses.  As a teenager he enjoyed western horseback riding lessons and showing his horse at the Delaware County Fair.  You could often find Jack in the barn on the Clark family farm having a great time looking after the cows.  Jack’s upstanding character was often witnessed through his selfless acts as a member of the Youth Group at First Presbyterian Church in Delhi, where he traveled to Arkansas and Maine to help with the Heifer mission project.

As Jack’s physical needs increased, he chose to become a resident with Otsego ARC, where he lived for 20 years. He was an original member of the Mens Group, taking trips to see favorite country artists in concert, local baseball games and museums with his peers.

Spending time with family was Jack’s greatest joy.  His devoted parents made every effort to accommodate his physical limitations so he could enjoy the simpler things in life: beautiful afternoons at Goodyear Lake napping on the boat, evening drives to see the Christmas lights during the holidays, going to the movies and reading. Jack never lost his great sense of humor and he had a laugh that would captivate a room.  In September 2020, he was thrilled to become an Uncle to his nephew Sawyer. Although Jack could no longer verbally communicate, his big smile and bright eyes let Sawyer know just how much Uncle Jack loved him and their special bond developed through toddler chatter and hugs.

Jack had the heart of a warrior and an unbeatable strength, persevering through every new medical obstacle thrown his way. We are grateful to all of the caretakers and employees at Otsego County ARC, the many medical providers and all those who showed compassion and nurturing to Jack throughout his life.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but we are comforted to know he is at peace with our heavenly father.

Jack is survived by his parents David and Kathleen Curley, sister Elizabeth (Richard) Nevin, nephew Sawyer John Nevin, grandmother Reeva Clark, Aunts and Uncles Reeva and Victor Bellard, Glenn Curley, Jane Curley and Harold Eustis, Lynne and Bob Borow, Charles Keating III, Susan (Chris) Keating-Cook, Mary Keating and many cousins of two generations. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Charles and Gladys Keating, his grandfathers David Alden Clark and John James Curley and his cousin Abby Borrow.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30PM on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church, 4 Clinton Street, Delhi, where friends and relatives are invited to call one hour prior at the church. Burial will follow the funeral at Woodland Cemetery, Delhi.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the ARC of Otsego County at P.O. Box 490 Oneonta, NY 13820.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with James’s family.