James Balistrere, also affectionately known as Jimbo, of Cheektowaga passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, after a brief illness.

Jim was the son of the late Dominic "Mimi" and Rose (Thomasula) Balistrere.   He is survived by a son Marc Balistrere and wife Seon Hui of Kentucky;  a brother Ignatius "Sandy" Balistrere of Fort Lauderdale FL; a sister Diane and husband Tom Novy of Cheektowaga and a niece Dana Aliberti and her husband Dan Graff of East Amherst.  He was also preceded in death by a sister Margie Balistrere.

He is also survived by his loving companion of many years, Marcie Lynch of Niagara Falls, NY.

Jim was a graduate of Lafayette High School, Buffalo.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and also served as an Air Force Reserve Recruiter at the Niagara Falls Air Base.  He was formerly employed by the Prudential Insurance Company and the US Postal Service from which he retired in 2003.

Jim liked to travel and particularly enjoyed San Francisco, New Orleans and Acapulco Mexico where he vacationed for many years.  Most recently he enjoyed wintering in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Jim was an avid Fox News enthusiast and enjoyed spirited political conversations.  He followed the stock market closely.  And on any given winter day, he could be found enjoying a happy hour in Fort Lauderdale.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 400 Ridge St., Lewiston, NY 14092.  Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for full obituary and online condolences.