Obituary of James J. "Jimmy" Backus

CANASTOTA . . . James J. "Jimmy" Backus, 64, of Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Oneida Healthcare. He was born on March 10, 1960, in Canastota, the son of the late Harold and Nellie (Basilio) Backus. He was a lifelong resident of Canastota. Jimmy worked as a landscaper at the Former Hermitage Gardens and for Michael Villari for many years, later retiring from Lan-Co Companies, Inc. in E. Syracuse in 2020. He grew up with a deep connection to nature, developing a lifelong love for the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman, who cherished sharing this love with anyone who would listen to his stories or take a walk with him through the woods. He was especially proud of and spent countless hours planting, nurturing, and harvesting his many acres of garlic, peppers, apple trees, Christmas trees, and a large variety of fruits and vegetables. His love for the land and all it offered, grounded him with an unwavering appreciation for life's simplest, yet most meaningful moments. He was a member of Turtlehead Archers of Canastota, and the unofficial Sylvan Beach Old Timers Fishing Club. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 30 years, Liz (Wood) Backus; his son, Adam (Daniele) Backus; his daughter, Toni Lynn Backus; daughter-in-law, Buffy Mathews; seven grandchildren, Alexander Backus, Lidia, Oliver, and Emma Cox, Miranda and MaryAnne Mathews, and Paul Mathews, Jr.; three sisters, Sharon Backus, Sheila (Al) Mundo, and Lynn Backus (Jenny); two brothers, Billy Backus, and Tommy (Barbara) Backus; three sisters-in-law, Norine Fields, Melinda Parmeter, and Jodi Egelston; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the mother of his children, Mary Adler. Jimmy was predeceased by his stepson, Joseph Mathews. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the funeral home. The Rev. William M. Wilcox will officiate. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota.