James Allen Hotaling
James Allen Hotaling, 81, of Jordan, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on June 22, 2026. Born in Syracuse, NY, on September 21, 1944, he was the son of the late Charles Hotaling and Eloise Rouse Hotaling.
James was a proud graduate of Marcellus High School and Cayuga Community College. Deeply committed to his community, he dedicated countless hours to coaching youth sports, supporting local clubs, and offering his leadership on both the Jordan-Elbridge School Board and the Cayuga County BOCES Board. His passion for agriculture and the outdoors shaped much of his life—from raising cows and chickens to boiling maple syrup over an open fire. His love for the environment inspired him to mentor young people through programs such as the National Envirothon and 4-H. James retired as Executive Director of the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District, where he served faithfully for 43 years. He later continued his public service as Town Supervisor of Brutus for more than 23 years.
Earlier in life, James proudly served his country—first as a Marine, and later as a Master Sergeant in the Army Reserves. His legacy can be seen throughout the region in projects he championed, including the revitalization of Falcon Park, improvements to Emerson Park, the regional digester, county office developments, Jordan-Elbridge school enhancements, the Owasco and Skaneateles Watersheds, and Erie Canal Aqueduct Park.
To those who worked alongside him, Jim’s enthusiasm for maple syrup was unmistakable. His Smokey Hollow maple syrup became a local favorite, and many community members shared in the joy of his annual Maple Weekend pancake breakfasts. He was especially proud of earning second place at the New York State Fair for his maple cream.
James is survived by his devoted wife, Chantell Hotaling; his children, Teena Williams of Weedsport, NY, Michael (Mary Kate) Hotaling of Woodlands, TX, Melissa (Leonard Howe) Hallinan of Elbridge, NY, Gregory (Kristen) Hotaling of Churchville, NY; his stepdaughter, Brianna Schooley of Brooklyn, NY; his nine cherished grandchildren—Nicholas, Gabrielle, Jaime Lynn, Colby, Rachel, Hanna, Hailey, Jason, and Harlow; and his beloved dogs, Bentley and Zoey. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Hazel Cleaver, Charles (Barbara) Hotaling, Jay (Sondra) Hotaling, Richard (Denise) Hotaling, Wanda (Roger) Murdie, Susan (Daniel) Gilligan, Paula Nadeau, April Reed, Wendy (Wayne) Rouse, and Judy (Fredrick) Walz, along with several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sisters, Carol Ezick and Linda Hotaling.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, June 27th, from 12 PM to 3 PM at Elbridge Community Church, 109 East Main Street, Elbridge, NY 13060. A memorial service will follow at 3 PM.
Donations in James’s memory may be made to the Town of Brutus Aqueduct Park or the Town of Brutus Town Hall Project. Arrangements are entrusted to White Chapel Funeral Home, Weedsport, NY. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Allen Hotaling, please visit our floral store.