Obituary of James J. Givens

GIVENS, James J. "Joe" Age 75 of Elmira, NY. He was born July 8, 1938 in Elmira, son of the late Frank, Sr. and Priscilla (Thomas) Givens and passed away Thursday, May 15, 2014 at the Bath VA Medical Center after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ruby P. Swan-Givens; children Millie and George Nickens, Priscilla and Lawrence Bocage and James Anthony and Nora Givens, Katrina Swan, Carol and Raymond Williams; sister Mattie Ward; sisters-in-law Lula Givens, Mattie Givens and Sandy Givens; aunt Ruby (Felton) Wells, Sr.; grandchildren Nicole Nickens, Shanelle Nickens, Keysha (Johnny) Ashford, Lenora (Edward) Cook, James Givens, Jr., Hannah Givens, Joel Brooks II, Josiah Brooks, Tavarus Brown, Brandon Swan, Jeremy Swan, Devante Hall, Travon Swan and Terrell Swan; along with a host of great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Lenora in 1986, son Michael in 2011; brothers Frank Arthur, Freddie and Johnny; sisters Peggy Givens, Nancy (Willie) Brown. "Jimmy", as he was known to many, was formerly employed with the NYS Department of Corrections. He was a master chef at many restaurants and establishments throughout the twin tiers. He was the owner and operator of Granny's Restaurant, formerly in Diven Plaza and Prescott Ave.; famous for his fried chicken, hush puppies and catering. Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a lifetime member of the Mt. Nebo Lodge #82 F & AM, Elmira. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Monday, May 19th from 6 to 8 pm and on Tuesday, May 20th from 11 am to 12 noon at Faith Temple Community Church, Harper St., Elmira. His funeral service will begin at 12 noon. Rev. Sam Pulliam will officiate. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Special thank you to CareFirst and the staff the Bath VA Medical Center hospice unit for the superb care they gave Jimmy.