Dr. James J. Ross, Ph.D. 66, of Bainbridge, GA passed away in Buffalo Hospice, Cheektowaga, NY on Monday February 8, 2010. He is survived by his wife E. Lynn (Russ of Niagara Falls, NY) Ross with whom he shared 40 wonderful years of marriage. Dr. Ross is also survived by three children John J. (Elizabeth) Ross of Cresco, PA; James J. (Kathleen) Ross of Rochester, NY and Erin L. (James) Ross Moses of Hamburg, NY; two sisters Gloria J. Finnerty of Hamburg, NY; Frances A. (Jon) Witmer of Orangevale, CA; seven grandchildren Matthew D. Ross, Mark E. Ross, Ronin J. Ross, Emma L. Ross, James R. Moses, Ella R. Moses and Andrew M. Moses and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late John P. and Rose M. (Martini) Ross. Jim felt passionately about the importance of education and dedicated his professional career and personal life to it. Jim earned his bachelor's degree from Salem College in West Virginia, his master's degree from Illinois State University, his doctorate from the University at Buffalo and completed post doctorate studies at Harvard University and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to his retirement in 2000 he was the President of Mount Saint Clare College in Clinton, IA, and took leadership positions as President of the Independent Colleges of Iowa and as an Officer for National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Previous to that he was the Chief Executive Officer at Jamestown Community College's Cattaraugus County Campus and worked as the Dean of Students at Philadelphia Textile (now Philadelphia University). Other employers in his career included Buffalo State, University at Buffalo and North Carolina State.

During his high school and collegiate years he was an exceptional football player earning national All-America honors his junior and senior years at Bishop Duffy high School and was later enshrined in their Hall of Fame. He played collegiately at UB and professionally for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

He actively took a role in his communities, serving as President of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Clinton, IA and was a 9 year member of Rotary. Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends and included them in his favorite activities: being a Papa, golfing, hunting, fishing, traveling, wood carving and painting.

Jim's impact on the various colleges he served is enduring and powerful. He especially led the revitalization of the Cattaraugus County Campus of Jamestown Community College, where enrollment doubled under his leadership. It was his vision that the college would build a new campus in downtown Olean, a dream realized in 2003. At Mount St. Clare College, he again more than doubled enrollment, added new major offerings and helped build the college's reputation and endowment.

Jim cherished his family and friends, and was well-known for his selfless acts of love and generosity to them. He also had a special rapport with the students at the institutions he served, always measuring each decision he made by answering the question "What is best for the students?" He will long be remembered as an educational visionary who served with passion, talent, commitment and vision at all of the academic institutions he worked.

Family and friends may call on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL at 2730 Military Road in Niagara Falls, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday February 12th at 10 a.m. at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE IN CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Ross asked that donations be made to the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St. SW, Rochester, MN. He believed in giving back to his community and encourages the spirit of giving to the charity of your choice.