Obituary of James William Borden
EASTON, N.Y. -
James William Borden, 75, lifelong resident of Easton, NY died December 21, 2023 after a fearless and courageous battle with cancer.
Born May 17, 1948, in Troy, NY he was the son of the late Elton Albert Borden and Vivian Frances (Link) Borden. Jim grew up on the family farm in Easton, NY. He was born with a rare skin condition that prevented him from sweating, lamellar ichthyosis, but he never let it impede his success in life. He truly lived by his motto “I will if I can, and I can if I will”.
Jim attended kindergarten in Easton at a one room schoolhouse. The following year the area schools consolidated, and Jim went to Greenwich Central school where he was shocked to see more kids in his 1st grade classroom than in the entire one room schoolhouse. After attending Greenwich High School, he graduated from The State University of New York New Paltz in1970 with a BS degree. In college Jim overcame the challenges posed by his skin condition to excel in sports. He was on the wrestling team for one year until the team doctor declared it too dangerous when his body temperature soared to unhealthy heights due to lamellar ichthyosis. Undaunted, Jim moved onto another sport; baseball, for two years. However, it was during his four years on the track and cross-country team where he excelled. Jim held the school record in the two-mile track event. He also received the Heinz Ahlmeyer Award, which is presented to an athlete whose dedication, perseverance and service beyond self has been an inspiration. In 1970, Newsweek magazine published an article about his track accomplishments and his health condition.
While at college, Jim met his wife, Linda (Vogt) Borden. Being a romantic, he pursued and courted her with poems, letters, music and flowers. They were married on July 14, 1973. On their recent 50th wedding anniversary, he arranged a surprise renewal of vows, followed by a celebratory cruise. Their two sons Christopher (1979) and Patrick (1983). were the joy of his life and his daughters-in-law held a special place in his heart. Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren more than can be expressed and deeply cherished the time spent with them.
Jim was a co-owner of the family dairy and apple farm, O.A. Borden and Sons, INC. Jim participated in all aspects of the farm. As head milker he made many bovine pets who would come to him when called by name. Through the years the milking parlor changed from a herringbone to rotary and finally a robotic parlor. As cidermaker, Jim used the wooden rack and cloth press until it was replaced by the metal belt press. Thanks to his meticulous recordkeeping, he knew he had pressed a total of 650,000 gallons of delicious cider before he retired. Jim was proud of being a farmer and was involved in many agricultural organizations.
With his strong sense of family, he took the time to be with his sons and their families. He volunteered for 7 years as a Cub Scout Leader with the Boy Scouts of America, where he enjoyed sharing his love of history and nature. He instituted indoor soccer so more Cub Scout Dens could get involved during the winter. As his sons moved up in scouting, he continued as an Assistant Scoutmaster and merit badge counselor for a total of 20 years involvement in scouting.
Jim was a firm believer in civil service and was an active member of the community. He was a council member of the Easton Town Board for 23 years and a member of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. He served the fire department for 9 years as secretary and 6 years as president. He was an active member of the Easton Youth Commission and a voting machine custodian for 15 years.
Jim’s love of travel and people took him to many states and countries, including visiting a lifelong pen pal in Hawaii. Whether he was at the local county fairs or in another country, Jim enjoyed simply talking with people. Friends were important to him, and he was willing to help in any way or share a joke from his endless repertoire. He was a kind and loving person, a good neighbor and friend. He also loved nature walks, birding, collecting foreign coins and baseball cards, and cheering on his Favorite teams. - Go Dodgers!
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Kenneth Borden.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Joyce (Vogt) Borden and sons Christopher Borden (Hollye Ramsey) and Patrick Borden (Meghan McGrath); his siblings David Borden, and Beverly Allen (George), 3 grandchildren, Payden Ramsey, Hudson Borden, and Holden Borden; sister-in-law Judith McInnis (Mike) and well-loved nieces and nephews. He had many close friends who will miss his caring, jokes and helping hand.
In the mid1970’s, Jim was involved at Yale New Haven Hospital as a test subject for a new ichthyosis medication. Through the connections with those test patients and the doctors, a foundation and support group was established. Since its founding in 1981, Jim has been a faithful supporter of the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST). Memorial contributions may be made in his name to FIRST at FIRST PO Box 1067 Lansdale, PA 19446 or firstskinfoundation.org
Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of his family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Borden Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com
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