Alexander James Saroka Jr.

Alexander James “Jim” Saroka Jr.

July 27, 1939 – July 25, 2025

Alexander James Saroka Jr., known to all as Jim, passed away peacefully on July 25 at the age of 85. He was born on July 27, 1939, in Ithaca, NY, to Hilda Hautala Saroka and Alexander James Saroka Sr. He was raised on a large dairy farm in Etna, NY, and attended the Dryden School System until his senior year, when he transferred to Ithaca High School and graduated in 1957.

It was at Ithaca High where Jim met the love of his life, Nonie Scott. The two married in 1959 and went on to build a beautiful life together, raising five children: Jamie, Greg, Kevin, Kerstin, and Mark.

On a friend's advice, Jim applied to New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) and was hired in 1959 to wash trucks and change tires. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced through the company, eventually working in Power Supply as a Section Operator, then as a Load Dispatcher, and finally as a Systems Operator. Jim enjoyed a fulfilling 40-year career with NYSEG.

When Jim was transferred to the Binghamton office, he and Nonie moved their growing family to an old farm in Harpursville, NY. There, Jim became deeply involved in the community, co- founding the Colesville Rotary Club, where he later served as president and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He and Nonie also welcomed four Rotary Exchange students into their home: Peter (South Africa), Sam (India), Gaby (Mexico) and Nadja (Germany), always keeping their doors—and hearts—open to others.

After retiring in 1999, Jim and Nonie settled in Greene, NY, and continued their community involvement. Together with family and friends, they founded Greene Dollars for Scholars, a scholarship program that continues to support local students today.

In recognition of his outstanding service and dedication, Jim was named Greene’s “Citizen of the Year” in 2011 and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Greene Rotary Club.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Nonie Saroka; his five children, Jamie (Barb), Greg (Kelly), Kevin (Kathy), Kerstin (Todd), and Mark (Ann); 11 grandchildren: Rachel, Ami, David, Tyler, Josh, Shelby, Zachary, Alexander, Patrick, Kelly and Daniel; 15 great- grandchildren: Eliana, Jack, Sawyer, Margot, Isabelle, Camille, Juliette, Emery, Evan, Paxton, Emersyn, Aiden, Shannon, Owen & Teddy; and two brothers, Michael and William Saroka.

We would like to thank all of the caregivers at The Mercy House for their compassionate care. These people are truly angels on earth. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Mercy House of the Southern Tier at 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760, or by visiting their website at: mercyhousesoutherntier.com/donate

Arrangements are being handled by Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 29 at Immaculate Conception Church in Greene, NY from 9:00am - 11:00 am and from 1:30pm- 2:30pm at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY. A private family graveside service will follow at Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, NY.