James Patrick Southard, a school business administrator, of Baldwinsville in Onondaga County died on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, after complications from a brief illness. He was 51.

“Jim was usually the smartest person in any room he was in, which was intimidating to a lot of people, despite him never lording that fact over anyone,” his family wrote in a tribute. “His wit and sarcasm were a joy for anyone to be around, if you got the joke.

“Jim was an accomplished business official for many school districts over his career, deftly helping put their budgets to right. His love of and adroitness for numbers was obvious to anyone that knew him. His multiple degrees reflected this. Jim earned his master’s degree in business administration and certificate of advanced study and was certified to be a superintendent.”

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He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Elena Southard of Baldwinsville, New York; his mother- and father-in-law, Ludmilla and Gennady Ostanin of Baldwinsville; his mother, Elaine Southard of Liverpool, New York; his siblings, David Southard Jr., of Rome, New York and Sheryl (Bob) Herman of Liverpool, New York.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, North Syracuse, on Thursday, Oct. 24, with a brief service following.

Memorial messages may be left at https://altamontenterprise.com/milestones.

Memorial contributions may be made to Seventh Heaven Dog Rescue, Post Office Box 15213, Syracuse, NY 13215