Obituary of James B. Lively

James (“Jimmy”) B. Lively, 76, of Garnerville passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Douglas, Scotland on May 20, 1947, to Jane Knowles and James Lively.

Jimmy arrived in New York in 1961 with a pompadour hair style and a pair of pointed-tipped white patent leather shoes. He graduated fromMt. Vernon High School in 1965 where he met the love of his life, Sarah Macaro. Upon graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Army as a Radio Relay and Carrier Operator during the Vietnam War. He became a proud naturalized citizen of the United States on June 20, 1968.

On October 19,1968 in Mt. Vernon, NY, Jimmy and Sarah were united in marriage and later moved to Garnerville in 1979. Jimmy spent many memorable years at Low Tor Ice Rink cheering on his son and serving as the President of the Little Rangers. As a true Scotsman, he loved to play golf.

Jimmy came to America with a strong work ethic, starting with his childhood paper route. He worked in Communications for NY Telephone, and then went on to work for AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and more.

On a 2004 trip to Scotland, Jimmy bravely knocked on the door of his Uncle Charlie and Aunt Mary, whom he had never met.  They quickly embraced him into their family and introduced him to his Aunt Catherine, and cousins who lived in Mississippi.  Jimmy cherished these relationships as he felt his family was now complete. 

Jimmy was passionate about his grandchildren, Hockey, especially the New York Rangers, Scottish Football, fast cars, and classic rock. He especially loved The Who, Buddy Holly, ELO, Roy Orbison, Queen, and AC/DC. 

Jimmy’s memory will be honored and cherished by his wife Sarah, son John (Jeanne) Lively of Valley Cottage, NY, daughter Jessica (Thomas) Schweitzer of Wycoff, NJ; five grandchildren, Jenna Lively, Madeline Lively, Morgan Schweitzer, Jackson Schweitzer, and James Lively; his best friend Kris Glaser and his beloved dog Finn.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Columbia Lung Transplant Program at https://medicine.givenow.columbia.edu/# or send a check payable to The Trustees of Columbia University including a note thatyou wish to support the lung transplant program to: 

Attn: Jamie W. Montgomery
Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
516 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10032

or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org.

To send flowers, please visit www.bassettflowers.com.