John Killam

John E. "Jack" Killam, 96, of Lake Street in Sandy Creek, passed away Wednesday, August 1st. Jack was born and raised in Sandy Creek. He was the son of the late Hugh T. and Barbara (Bemis) Killam and a 1940 graduate of Sandy Creek High School. Jack briefly worked for Bell Air Craft before entering in the US Army. As a veteran of World War II, he was stationed in Los Alamos as a T-3 in 1944. Jack worked at the machine shop and at the Fire Dept. as an Inspector during the Manhattan Project until after the bomb was developed and deployed in Japan ending the war. After the war, he returned to NY with his wife and new daughter. They settled in Locke in 1946 where Jack worked for Lynch's Hardware and co-owned and operated Bossard & Killam Plumbing, Heating & Electric. During this time, Jack became the Fire Chief and was elected Town Councilman. In 1963, he moved his family back to Sandy Creek into the family homestead on Lake Street. Jack worked for several years as a self employed contractor and later retired in 1987 from Black Clawson in Watertown after more than 20 years as a maintenance electrician. Although he retired from active duty, Jack was still a member of Sandy Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. where he worked Bingo and assisted at the Oswego County Fair every year. He served as the Captain of the Fire Police for many years. Jack was a long time member of the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church and a member of their Administrative Council, a Trustee for many years and later as Trustee Emeritus. Jack enjoyed rebuilding antique engines and water pumps. He would demonstrate how they should operate and function at various County Fairs including: Lewis County, Oswego County, Canandaigua, and the NY State Fair. He was always the first person people would call on to help out when they needed assistance or something fixed and will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, the former Ruth R. Benedict, in 1997, by his two brothers, Bob Killam in 1977 and H. Stratton Killam on May 25th, and by a son-in-law, Abram Allen on January 3rd.

Jack is survived by his two daughters: Rae Allen of Sandy Creek, and Janyth (David L.) Bonney of Cape Vincent, NY; a brother: Charles (Sharon) Killam of Auburn; seven grandchildren; many great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Jack's memory may be made to the Sandy Creek Volunteer Fire Dept., 6026 S. Main St., or to the Sandy Creek United Methodist Church, 2031 Harwood Dr., Sandy Creek, NY 13145.

Friends may call on Monday from 3 - 7 pm at Summerville Funeral Home, 8192 Harwood Drive, Sandy Creek, NY. Funeral Services are Tuesday, 11:00 am at Sandy Creek United Methodist Church with burial following in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sandy Creek. Krueger Funeral Home of Mattydale, NY has charge of the arrangements.