James Sockbeson's Obituary
On October 9th 2025, James “Jimmy” Sockbeson was called home to Jesus to join his parents, Dareth “Dee Dee” and Ronald “John” Sockbeson, grandparents Everett and Norma Middleton, and his feline companion Chloe in the Promised Land.
Jimmy was born a free spirit into the world on November 17th 1961 in Fort Pierce Florida. Much of his childhood was spent in Florida and Georgia, eventually leading to California. He graduated from South Pasadena High School on June 14th 1979, spending his youth in Los Angeles working in the entertainment industry as an actor in many B-grade films, as a script writer – winning an award from AVN for his screenplay, “Tall Timbers” – and as a movie house projectionist for IATSE Local 695.
As a non-traditional adult student, Jimmy enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville to study English, recieving a Bachelor of Arts in 1996, after which he moved to Louisville Kentucky to write film scripts and advertising as well as working in the nursing home industry.
In the early 2000's Jimmy decided to re-locate to Upstate NY to focus on writing his “Great American Novel.” Despite that book being lost to time, a collection of Jimmy's poetry was printed by BlacKat Publications of Detroit MI in 2024.
Christmas was Jimmy's favorite time of the year, he truly loved the abundant snowfall of CNY, he would decorate every inch of his home with his Christmas Village and 8 foot artificial tree adorned with lights and decorations, many of which were made by his grandmother that he had kept since childhood.
Jimmy was a Christian scholar, studied theology throughout his life, leading bible studies in his home as well as attending Church in homes of like minded friends. He was a connoisseur of classic film and vintage television programs, his absolute favorite films being, “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane,” “Carnival of Souls,” “Thank God It's Friday,” his favorite television shows were “Golden Girls,” “Are You Being Served,” “Green Acres,” and “Laverne and Shirley,” and he adored the cartoons of “Scooby Doo.”
Jimmy loved a good bargain, he would compare all the grocery fliers from the Sunday papers to find the best deals on food in town. He enjoyed thrifty shopping at the Salvation Army and Rescue Mission as well as riding around town in his friend's truck as they “junker-necked” looking for antiques to be rescued from the curb.
Jimmy is survived by his uncles Robert, Steve (Patricia), and James, as well as many cousins and friends.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by faith not sight.
A Burial & Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 2 P.M. in Loomis Hill Cemetery, 4069 Howlett Hill Rd. Syracuse, NY 13215.
Jimmy was 100% pro-life from conception to natural death, so in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are being accepted by Birthright of Syracuse, 346 N. Midler Ave #46, Syracuse, NY 13206.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
