IN MEMORIAM: James Arbas, 89;

Farmer, Laurens Town Assessor

OTEGO – James Arbas, 89, a Laurens dairy farmer and town assessor there, passed away at his home on March 28, 2016.

Born May 13, 1926, in Bridgeport, Conn., he is the son of the late Matias and Virginia Arbas. Jim spent his childhood on the family farm in Fairfield, Conn., with his sisters Josephine, Anna and his brother Herman.

In 1970, Jim and Herman moved to Laurens, operating a dairy farm together, until Jim’s retirement in 1993. Jim was a Laurens town assessor for 32 years and has been a member of the West Laurens Fire Department since 1970.

Jim is survived by his brother, Herman Arbas, nine nieces and seven nephews.  His sisters Josephine Colagrossi and Anna Hiller predeceased him.
Calling hours will be 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, in the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta. There will be an Otsego County Fireman’s Memorial Service at 2:15 PM. A Celebration of James’ Life will immediately follow at 2:30, with the Rev. Stephen Fournier officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the West Laurens Fire Department, 2766 State Highway 23, Laurens, New York 13796 in loving memory of James Arbas.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.