IN MEMORIAM: James H. ‘Giff’ Gifford, 87;
Managed New York City DEP Office In Gilboa
HARPERSFIELD – James H. “Giff” Gifford, 87, of Harpersfield, retired office manager of New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection office in Gilboa, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, at Robinson Terrace in Stamford.
Survivors include a daughter in Cooperstown.
Born of March 5, 1931 in Gloversville, James was the son of the late Ira and Marion (Playford) Gifford.
Giff grew up in Northville where he was a gifted athlete and excelled at sports, following school he moved to Schoharie County where he worked for the family owned John A. Serrie Egg Farms. He then worked for New York City DEP at their Gilboa location, retiring as office manager in 1993.
He was married to his loving wife of 42 years, Sheila Utter Gifford in 1975.
James enjoyed camping and bowling, he was a league bowler for many years. Giff was a 50 year member of the former Gilboa Lodge F&AM. His greatest joy was his family, he was a proud grandfather and loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Besides his parents, He was predeceased by a daughter: Andrea Jacobs.
He is survived by his wife: Sheila Gifford of Harpersfield; children: Mark (Beverly) Gifford of Gilboa, Susan Gifford of Cooperstown and Brenda Kephart of Beverly Hills, FL; six grandchildren: Michele, Shaun, Morgan, Shane, Nichole and Jaron; and seven great-grandchildren.
Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 4-7PM on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at the MacArthur Funeral Home, 15 Buntline Dr., Stamford. A celebration of life will be held 11AM on Friday at Harpersfield United Methodist Church, Col. Harper Rd., Harpersfield, with the Rev. Dottie Morris officiating.
His family would like to thank the staff at Robinson Terrace for their care and compassion of James.
Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the Gifford Family.
