It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Franklin Snyder. Born in Portsmouth, VA, to the late Asa C. Snyder & Myrtle H. Snyder. Loving Husband to Kathleen, Father to Jamie (Craig), Erin & Jimmy (Meghan), Grandfather "Papa" to Leonardo, Lynn, Jenna, Ella, Kallie & Alexander. Brother to Evelyn (Bob) & Carolyn. He had many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends whom he adored.

Jim spent his life in service, moving to Binghamton in 1971 from District Heights, MD. He worked many jobs until he was brought onto Binghamton Fire Department in 1973. While on the job, he was quickly moved to the "Squad Co" due to his ability to conquer any challenge and ability to push the limits. Promoted to Lieutenant on Squad 1 in 1985, a role he fulfilled until he retired in 2004. Jim spent his off time as a volunteer firefighter at the 5 Mile Point Fire Co. Throughout all his time in service with the community he touched so many lives, always a fireman no matter where he was. A jack-of-all-trades, you would find him cooking, working on cars, boats, motorcycles or building this or that. In retirement, he would always be found in the garage tinkering with something, fixing something or listening to talk radio while he played on his Kindle.

Of all the things he did in his life, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He loved his wife with all his heart. His children and grandchildren were the lights of his life. He was always there when you needed him and would drop what he was doing to help a neighbor or friend and especially his children. He received numerous medals of commendation during his career as a firefighter, but his greatest commendation was his loving family. You couldn't take that away from him, and he felt no greater honor.

Jim was a storyteller; oh man could he tell some tales. When he was talking, people of all ages were sitting there listening. He could keep an audience, no matter if he knew you or not. Always a jokester, he'd get you laughing with his full of life personality and off the wall comments. He never met a stranger that he didn't want to talk to at Sam's Club or BJs. He just had a way of connecting that no one could match. The smile, the "baby blue" eyes... the awesome mustache!! He will be missed by all.

Visiting will be Sunday July 12, 2026 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at DeMunn Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 36 Conklin Avenue Binghamton, New York 13903. Funeral Mass will be Monday July 13, 2026 at 11:00am Saint Mary's R.C. Church of Kirkwood 975 US-11, Kirkwood, NY 13795. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his name to the 5 Mile Point Fire Company 16 Crescent Dr. Kirkwood, NY 13795 or the Binghamton Fire Department Benevolent Association 180 Main St. Binghamton, NY 13905