Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home

Starks, James F.

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by

ryanbilak
in

Fairport: 9/18/13. Jim passed away peacefully at home after a rich and rewarding life, with his loving wife Dorie by his side. The son of Milton and Minnie Starks. Jim was born in Rochester on 1/15/25, and graduated from Monroe High in 1942. He served in the 17th Airborne during WWII, receiving a Bronze Star during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Jim graduated from Syracuse University and began a 31 year career at Bausch & Lomb. His retirement in 1981 was short-lived, when he became an early pioneer in the natural food industry, co-founding Lori’s Natural Foods Center with his daughter Lori. Together, they created the largest independent natural foods store in New York State. Jim remained involved in the store to the end, including writing newsletter articles until early this year.

Jim loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening, and travel. He was active in many social outreach programs through his church, and concerned about conservation and the environment. He helped plan and carry out demonstrations for the very first Earth Day in April 1970. He was passionate about educating people about protecting their rights to clean food and water, and access to natural supplements..

Jim was predeceased by brothers Myron and Gerald and sister-in-law Luella Starks. He is survived by his wife Dorie of nearly 61 years; his son, Jay, daughter-in-law, Liz, son Larry, daughter Lori Sozio, son-in-law John Sozio; granddaughters Caitlin and Delaney Starks; sister-in-law, Aurelia Starks; and many loving nieces and nephews. Jim was also blessed with numerous close friends, loyal employees,
and devoted church members who supplied love and support over the years.

A celebration of life will be held 3:00PM Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Mountain Rise United Church of Christ, 2 Mountain Rise,
Fairport, NY, where Jim and Dorie have been active members for 45 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Mountain Rise Church of Christ Social Ministries, 2 Mountain Rise, Fairport, NY 14450 or
the Nature Conservancy in Jim’s memory.