Karla J. Nichols

Hornell, NY December 17, 1947 – January 5, 2026 Age 78

James Everett Dexter, 78, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning (Jan. 5, 2026) at his home.

Born in Hornell on Dec. 17, 1947 he was the son of the late Martin and Helen (Haskell) Dexter.

A resident of Hornell for most of his life, Jim was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1965. He attended Alfred University and in 1968 he received a degree in auto mechanics from the Wellsville Campus of Alfred State College. On July 10, 1968 he enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served two tours in Vietnam with Unit No. 62 of the Seabees. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1970 and was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal (2 stars), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Jim was employed for 32 years as a parts manager at Lamacchia’s and later for several years at the former Elsenheimer’s in Hornell. He was well known in this area for his expertise as a parts manager. Before retiring he was employed at Alstom.

He was a long-time active member of the Park United Methodist Church, and the Hornell United Methodist Church, now known as the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, where he served as a financial secretary, usher, as a Youth Group Leader and served quietly in several other capacities. Jim enjoyed attending musical concerts and always supported local arts and music. He was a very talented mechanic and especially loved spending time working on cars and motorcycles. Jim was curious and creative and would often spend time researching different subject on his computer.

He was very devoted to his family and will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband and father.

Jim is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Milene (Boag) Dexter who he married at the former Park Methodist Church in Hornell on Dec. 27, 1969; two children, Marty (Nicky) Dexter of Conway, SC and Heather Dexter of Tyngsboro, MA; two sisters, Adele Hyla-Brewster (James Brewster) of Swansboro, NC and Kathy (Bruce) Griesmer of Vero Beach, FL; a bonus daughter, Jenny Yacuzzo, and several nieces and nephews including, Bret (Marci) Hyla, Craig (Heidi) Hyla, David (Peggy) Brewster and Kate Brewster. He is also survived by many friends of his children who affectionately called him “Dad.”

Calling hours are 3-5 p.m. MONDAY (Jan. 12, 2026) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, 7528 North Main St., Ext. where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. TUESDAY (Jan. 13, 2026). Committal services and interment, with military honors, will follow at 1 p.m. at Bath National Cemetery.

The United States flag and the Navy flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Jim’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Webbs Crossing Bible Church, 7528 North Main St., Ext., Hornell or the Hornell High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.