James Rodriguez

September 1, 1933 - February 23, 2020

James Rodriguez, of Coram, was born on September 1, 1933 in Paget Bermuda. He was the son of Mary Benevides of the Azores Portugal and Pedro Rodriguez of San Juan Puerto Rico. James, who went by Jim, came to America through Ellis Island with his mother when he was six years old. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He met his wife Janice Pitts of Antwerp, NY in 1957 while she was studying to be a nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Jim and Jan married on October 11, 1958. After his service in the Air Force, Jim worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation at Kennedy Airport and later was a Master Sergeant in the New York Air National Guard in Westhampton Beach, Long Island, where he retired from in 1993. Jim had three daughters; Deborah Bauders, Kim (Rick) San Inocencio and Jen (Ray) Maldonado. He had nine grandchildren; Corinne Horton, Rick (Jen) San Inocencio, Christina San Inocencio (Kevin), Michael San Inocencio, Caroline Bauders, Raymond Maldonado, Jade Maldonado (J.P.), Nathan Maldonado, and was predeceased by his grandson 1st Lt David Bauders. Jim also had three great grandchildren; Nicholas San Inocencio, Lea San Inocencio and Javon Harding III. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws Edna and Sandra, his brother-in-law Shank, and many nieces, nephew s and friends. Jim had a love for classic movies, photography and aviation. Jim was a gentle soul and a friend to all who knew him. Jim passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020. Calling hours will be at Marinello Funeral Home : 493 Middle Country Rd Coram on Thursday, February 27 from 2:30-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm. There will be a brief service during the evening calling hours.