Obituary of James H. Marland

James H. Marland, 99, of Erieville, passed away peacefully at home with his family and loving dog Pearl by his side on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. He was born January 29, 1926 in Corning, New York to John and Edith Worth Marland, Sr. In 1944, Jim was eager to enlist in to the U.S. Navy and served his country in the Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II until his honorable discharge in 1946. He met a beautiful young lady, Beverly A. Hilts and they were married on October 15, 1947 in Syracuse. They spent 76 loving years together and raised 10 children and their legacy continues with a multitude of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren. James was a member of the Operating Engineers Local #545 in East Syracuse for 60 years and was employed as a heavy equipment diesel mechanic at State Equipment Corporation. In 1955 he found a love for Registered Pulled Hereford’s and he and Beverly established Marland Hyland Farms. At the New York State Fair the Marland Hyland Farms sign was displayed in the Beef Barn for several years which brought him great joy. He enjoyed being a long-time member of the Empire Rabbit Association. At the age of 97, Jim was excited to participate in Mission 18 of the Honor Flight out of Syracuse and was accompanied by his son Ken who served as his guardian. They flew to Washington DC to visit the war memorials and he was proud to be the oldest veteran and the only World War II veteran on that flight. The Marland family carries a legacy that their patriarch built. They were graced with a strong example of a hard-working man of dignity and longevity. A man who was very serious about life and not always good about surprises but also loved to laugh and have fun. James is survived by his 10 children, James Marland II of Freeville, Kenneth (Cindy) Marland of Chittenango, Leslie Marland of Binghamton, Charles (Shirley) Marland of Eaton, Linda (Rick) Donegan of Michigan, Elizabeth Marland of Freeville, Deborah (Rick) Richards of Georgetown, Georgia (Joseph) Harosia of Rome, Kathleen (Kevin) Coombs of Manlius and Timothy Marland of Erieville; 28 grandchildren; 58 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his wife Beverly and by his brother John W. Marland, Jr. The Marland family would like to thank the members of the Erieville Fire Department, CAVAC and Dr. Nathan Keever and his staff for the compassionate care provided to Jim throughout the years. Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025 with services to follow at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. Burial with military honors will be in Erieville Cemetery. Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the Erieville Fire Department, P.O. Box D, Erieville, NY 13061 or to CAVAC, 106 Nelson St., Cazenovia, NY 13035. Condolences for the Marland family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com