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James A. DeVinney

Jan 06, 1942 - Sep 11, 2021

James A. DeVinney

January 06, 1942 - September 11, 2021

Obituary

James A. DeVinney (Jim, Dad, Grandpa Jim, and Papa Jim) died on Saturday, September 11, 2021 in Rochester, New York. A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jim loved the states he lived in so much he chose to live in most of those places twice. A former resident of State College, Pennsylvania, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Boston, then Fort Wayne and Rochester again, Jim loved to plunge into those cities and make them his own.

Jim cherished his role as the Corn Hill Historian, loved playing softball, and was an active member in a number of local arts organizations. He was proud of his lifelong career in public television beginning with his employment at WPSX (now WPSU) on the campus of Penn State University, where he earned a degree in liberal arts, an educational pursuit for which he advocated his entire life.

Jim worked at WXXI in Rochester, WQED in Pittsburgh, Blackside, Inc. and WGBH in Boston. He earned four Emmy Awards for his work on Once Upon a Classic, Eyes on the Prize I and II, and The Kennedys. He loved music and shared that with his children, introducing them to the Beatles, Gilbert and Sullivan and numerous jazz artists.

Although himself an only child, Jim leaves behind a large and noisy family who inherited his dashing good looks, charming personality, and gift of gab. Jim is survived by daughters Michele (Michael Kaufmann), Mimi, Tara Torrance (Jim), and son Rob. He was grandfather to nine - granddaughters Shannon, Andrea, Samantha, Kaleigh, and Bridget and grandsons Alex, Jordan, Jameson, and Jesse. He was also a great-grandfather to Lucie, Gatsby, and Imogen. Jim was a very proud Irish-American, enjoying relationships with his "Irish cousins" and establishing dual citizenship which, he was quick to point out to his children, was not an available option for them.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, October 9th, from 2-4 pm at the Hervey-Ely House 138 Troup Street, Rochester 14608. In lieu of flowers, Jim asked that you support fine arts with your presence as well as your presents. Go to a play, attend a concert, visit an art gallery. Take a young person with you.

Services

Service
Sat, Sep 18, 2021
To be Determined

000
Rochester, NY 14626

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