Obituary of James Wilson Stanley

James Wilson "JW" Stanley, 71 of Cortlandville passed away on September 10, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 28, 1953, in Newburyport, Massachusetts to his loving parents the late Raymond Wilson and Patience "Faye" Stanley- Wilson. JW's hobbies included collecting seashells and walking the beaches in New England and Florida. He enjoyed "taking a ride"- you never knew where he was headed and most times neither did he. He loved old cars/trucks/motorcycles and enjoyed tinkering with them. He enjoyed doing body work, creating things with metal and fiberglass, painting hot rods, motorcycles, all types of equipment and trucks. JW loved all types of music and dancing, he made sure to always be the life of the party wherever he went. He always wanted to see people smiling and having a good time. His generosity towards people met no bounds, even towards people he didn't know personally. JW became a 32nd degree Mason out of the St. James lodge #102 in Hampton NH and was a member of the Shriners through the Bektash Temple where he was able to march in parades and help collect donations for sick children. JW was an incredible wood craftsman who loved to build. He was a cabinet maker by trade and built numerous homes throughout New England with John Bernier of Bernier Corporation including several of his own in New Hampshire and would build his final home here in Cortland. JW enjoyed spending time and working with his family. He would later pursue his dream of working with asphalt and with the help of his first wife Carole beside him he became the founder and operator of a successful paving business JW Stanley Paving. He started his business from scratch with a wheelbarrow, a few hand tools and a car that he removed the trunk lid from to haul asphalt. If he wasn't working on a job site, you could find him in the shop tinkering with something as he could never sit idle. JW had an enormous heart and was a man of many talents. JW is survived by his wife, Darlene, two children Scott (Jacqui) Stanley, Jeremiah "Jay" (Holly) Stanley, grandchildren, Scott Michael, Jacob Austin, Briahnna Carole, Bryson James and Brennan Samuel. He is also survived by three stepchildren, Derek (Kelly) Ponton, Ashley (Micah) Ponton, and Brianna (William) Somers and 9 step grandchildren, his brother; Ed (Jo) Wilson of York ME, his sister; Esther (Norm) Gregoire of Rochester NH and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents JW is predeceased by his first wife and longtime love of 42 years, Diana "Carole" Stanley. A gathering will be held to honor and remember JW at the home of Jay and Holly Stanley located at 222 Hatfield Road in Cortland, NY from 2-4 pm on Sunday September 22, 2024. Anyone who knew him and would like to join the family are invited to come and celebrate his life and reminisce about the man he was. Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc. is assisting the family with arrangements. To offer condolences online, visit www.wright-beard.com