Westcott, James Earl Frans

Irondequoit: Born on December 12, 1968 in Newark, NY he passed away on September 28th, 2021 after a short illness.

James is predeceased by his grandparents, Frans & Joan Monje; mother-in-law, Diana Hilts. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan (Hilts) Westcott; sons, Andrew & Jack Westcott; mother, Nellie Colarocco & step-father, Thomas Colarocco of Farmington; siblings, Marina (Matt) Crider of Sodus, Johanna (Larry) Hammond & Thomas (Ashley) Colarocco of Palmyra; father-in-law, Bernard Hilts; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Shelly (Maureen) Hilts, Sharon (Daniel) McCabe, Bernard (Jackie) Hilts, Bradley (Jennifer) Hilts, Blaine Hilts & Sarah (Michael) Stoquert; many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

James was a special educator for over 20 years, he wrote and published eight books, loved fishing, the Buffalo Bills and spending time with his boys.

James's life story will be shared during visitation, Sunday Oct. 3rd from 2-6 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 4th, 10:00 AM at St. Kateri Tekakwitha at Christ the King Church, 445 Kings Highway South, Rochester NY 14617. Interment in Irondequoit Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made in James's name to Easterseals, 103 White Spruce Blvd, Rochester, NY 14623


Jim grew up in Newark, NY with his mother and stepfather, Nellie & Tom Colarocco, brother Tom and sisters, Marina and Johanna. As a young kid, Jim was always involved in sports. He was an excellent baseball pitcher and Vince Lombardi football player. He loved fishing with his grandfather and going to Cape Cod during the summer.

Jim was known in high school for his athletic ability as a record-breaking runner, and for just being a "great guy." He graduated from SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, where he was also a brother in the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Jim met Sue while at SUNY Brockport in 1989. They married in 1992. He went on to get his Teaching Certification from SUNY Geneseo and then earned a master's degree from Nazareth College.

They enjoyed some childless years near Park Ave before settling in West Irondequoit in 1997. Their children, Andrew and Jack, joined the family soon after. When his sons could hold a pole, he started fishing with them. He was a special educator for over 20 years and wrote educational content, publishing 8 books. He was most proud of Jacks' Tales that was a finalist in the Inde Excellence Book Awards. He enjoyed cheering on the Buffalo Bills, History, watching you tube videos about bands and fishing techniques. He also had a funny obsession with Big Foot. He was working on another book called "Jack's Squatch" . Jim was sarcastic and funny. People loved Jim. He made a difference in the lives of children he worked with and made an impression on everyone he came in contact with. People were lucky to call him a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, or friend. He will be greatly missed.