Obituary of James F. Hastings

James F. Hastings of 4154 West Branch Road passed away on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014 at home following an illness. Jim was born April 10, 1926 in Olean and was a son of Glenn "Pete" and Ruth Trail Hastings. On Sep. 24, 1947 at St. Stephan's Church, he married Barbara Gaylor, who predeceased him Feb. of 1983. In Nov. of 1984 in Florida, he married Kathleen Smith, who predecease him Nov. 1992. Jim graduated from Allegany Central School in 1943. He served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946. Jim was a Union Carpenter from 1947 to 1950. He was a sales representative for Proctor and Gamble from 1950 to 1952. Jim became first a sales manager for WHDL Radio from 1952-1959 and then the station manager for WHDL Radio from 1959-1966. Jim was elected to the Allegany Town Board from 1953-1962 and Allegany Village Justice from 1953-1962. He was then elected to the New York State Assembly and served from 1963-1965. In 1965, Jim was elected to the New York State Senate and served from 1965 to 1968. He was then elected for 4 terms as a United States Congressman (R), to the House of Representatives. Jim was first elected in 1968 to replace Charles Goodell (R), who was appointed to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy (D). He served in this position from 1969 to 1976, resigning to accept the presidency of Associated Industries of NY. Jim retired to Belleair Beach, FL for 21 years before returning to Allegany in 1998. He attended the Christ United Methodist Church. Jim enjoyed working in the wood shop. Jim is survived by five children, Linda (Dale) Conway of Painted Post, Karen (Ed) Butler of Olean, James R. (Mary) Hastings of Brockport and Venice, FL, David M. (Barbara) Hastings of Allegany, and Tracy Hack of Rochester; thirteen grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren; one cousin, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his father, Glenn "Pete" Hastings in 1953; his mother, Ruth Trail Hastings Berwald in 1987; two brothers, Glenn Hastings, Jr. in 1977, and Bill Hastings in 2011; his first wife & mother of his children, Barbara Gaylor Hastings in 1983; and his 2nd wife, Kathleen Smith Hastings in 1992. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Allegany Fire Department, North First Street, Allegany, NY 14706. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.