Obituary of James A. French
James A. French “Jim”
Webster, New York
Previously of Clyde, New York, and Pittsford, New York. Jim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday October 26, 2025.
Jim was born in Clyde, New York on January 23, 1945. Jim is predeceased by his parents Francis and Evelyn French, his daughter Jennie, his sisters Shirley and her spouse Leonard Noble and Mary Jeane and her spouse James Belair.
Following his graduation from high school Jim joined the United States Air Force where he received basic training as a Security and Law Enforcement Officer. Following Basic Training he was assigned to Toul-Rosieres Air Base in France and enjoyed sharing stories of his time overseas.
Jim began working at Beneficial Finance in Lyons, New York in 1967 advancing through several area branches and promotions to become Manager of the Williamsville, New York branch in 1970. In 1973 he was again promoted to a larger office in Rochester, NY. This promotion had him moving his family from Williamsville, New York to Pittsford, New York.
In April of 1975 Jim accepted a new position at Monroe Savings Bank as a Consumer Loan Officer. Jim spent the majority of his career here working in consumer lending eventually rising to Senior Vice President of Lending.
In the mid 1980’ s Jim and his management team developed a new Lending Product called a “Home Equity Loan” and “Home Equity Line of Credit”. Monroe Savings Bank was the first Bank in New York State to offer these types of lending products, but others soon followed.
First Federal Savings and Loan would be where Jim finished his accomplished career. In 1990 he was hired as manager of consumer lending and in1995 retired as Vice President of Consumer Lending and Mortgage Credit Quality.
In 1996 Jim and Neva moved to their home on the shores of Oneida Lake. Oneida Lake was a place he spent summers in his youth and held a special place in his heart. This is where he would watch his children and grandchildren play during summers and was a constant gathering place for family and friends. During this time, you could also find him and his wife Neva traveling in their motorhome, enjoying NASCAR and INDY car racing. They spent several winters in Florida in the motorhome.
His love of the water and wanting to be closer to his family brought them to Webster, New York and buying a home on Lake Ontario in 2011. Jim loved being outdoors overseeing gardening projects, watching wildlife – especially deer and dreaming up new projects to do around the house.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Neva of 56 years. His loving daughters, Nicole (Robert) Weston of Fairport, New York, and Sheena (Alex) Wiater of Penfield, New York. His two grandchildren he held dearly, Emily and Jack Weston. His Brother-in-Law David (Lori) Reynolds of Williamson, New York and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Calling hours will be at Falvo Funeral Home (1295 Nine Mile Point Rd, Webster) on Thursday October 30, 2025 from 4-6pm with a service immediately following. There will be a Gravesite Service with military honors at White Haven Memorial Park (210 Marsh Rd. Pittsford NY) on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10am.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his memory to either:
Veterans Outreach Center
447 South Avenue
Rochester, New York 14620
Lollypop Farm
99 Victor Road
Fairport, New York 14450