James A. “Jim” Bliss

1943-2026

James A. “Jim” Bliss, 83, of Jamestown, went to be with Jesus following a short illness on June 16, 2026. He was born in Erie, PA on January 24, 1943, to the late Malcolm and Ruth Holt Bliss. Jim joined the United States Navy at 17 years old, serving on the USS Sellers for 5 years, sailing around the world with the Naval destroyer. One of the first Navy Seals, he saw action in the Bay of Pigs in Cuba when his division was ordered in by President Kennedy.

A wonderful, hard-working man, Jim worked construction steel as an Iron Worker for 25 years; notably, he labored on the Kinzua Bridge project and, later, across the bridges of I-86 when the road was first built.

Known for his skill of fixing anything, Jim repaired and remodeled endless projects. While his abilities were impressive, the real treasure was his neighborly heart with which he led, making himself available to help without a shadow of a doubt. For this, Jim became a friendly face to countless folks in his lifetime.

Jim loved to see people. His innate kindness was apparent in all that he did. Above all, he adored his wife, Marcia, who he would do anything for. He cared for their home with effortless ease as Marcia remained busy in her career. His unfailing love and concern for her was epic.

A special resiliency coursed through Jim; remarkably, he survived esophageal cancer for 12 years. Despite chronic pain, he battled and always came back with gratitude. His family would like to thank his many health care professionals for the years of great care, especially Dr. Ong at GLPP, Dr. Nwogu at Roswell Park and their staffs.

Jim’s spirit will be treasured by his wife, Marcia Carlson Bliss, whom he married December 8, 1989; his children, Michael Bliss and Penny Brantley; two grandchildren; his siblings, Mary Hammond and Robert Bliss; his siblings-in-law, Barbara Newberry, Phillip (Sharon) Carlson, Cheryl (Chuck) VanRiper, Annette (Ken) Trout, and John Carlson; as well as countless beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; and adopted granddaughter, Sara Miller. Also, his loved labradors, Hershey and Ginger.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, Gary Bliss and Ruthie Bliss; his siblings-in-law, Lucie Carlson and Paul Carlson; and his wife’s parents, Clarence and Blanche Carlson.

Public visitation for Jim will be on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 5-8pm at Lind Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11am at Hillcrest Baptist Church with visitation for an hour prior to the service from 10-11am at Hillcrest. Burial will follow at Panama Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 40 Hallock St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

To leave words of condolence, please visit lindfuneralhome.com.