James "Jim" Herbert Lagoy

James (Jim) Herbert LaGoy, 88, died on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in Bluffton, SC surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 27, 1933, in Black Brook, NY to Ernest and Janette (Rushia) LaGoy.

Born and raised in the heart of the Adirondacks, Jim excelled in athletics including basketball at AuSable Forks High School and bobsledding in Lake Placid, NY. Following one year of college, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force. As a Staff Sergeant, he served his country for 8 years, including a tour in Japan and continued work stateside at the Pentagon. Jim valued education and earned two master’s degrees and his Doctorate of Education from Nova University.

On August 15th, 1957, Jim married the love of his life, Geraldine Young. Together they had 4 children,  moving throughout New York State while Jim continued his work in education. As the Superintendent of Education, Jim united the Keeseville and AuSable Forks school districts in 1973, establishing AuSable Valley Central School (AVCS). Upon retiring from his beloved AVCS, Jim continued his career as an interim Superintendent in several school districts throughout NY, until his early seventies. He and Geri enjoyed traveling and serving in their church community. Jim served as President of the local Rotary International for many terms and was a member of the Plattsburgh Elks Club.

As a man of God, Jim left behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Geraldine, and his sister, Glenda Dockum (Rod) of Jay, NY. “Dad/Pop” was adored by his children, James LaGoy (Donna) of Palm City, FL, Julie Stine (Greg) of Port St. Lucie, FL, Karen McCormick (Richard) of Rutherfordton, NC, and Michael LaGoy (Kelley) of Hillsborough, NC.  He was further adored by 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his sweet puppy, Peaches.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Ernie and Janette as well as his in-laws, Henry and Geraldine Young, his sister, Carol Palmer, and brothers-in-law, Harold and Henry.

Jim was blessed with wonderful friends, neighbors, and his church family. The family would like to express deep gratitude to Pastor Richard Smith, Pastor Pete Bernstein, neighbors, Larry and Vivian Schmidt as well as his caregivers from Hospice of the Low Country.

Instead of flowers, Jim wished for people to honor his memory by contributing to his favorite charities, Samaritan’s Purse- Donate to Samaritan’s Purse ( samaritanspurse.org ),  St. Jude’s- Make a donation to cure childhood cancer - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ( stjude.org ) or your local Humane Society. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.