SOUTH COLTON -- James “Jim, Jimmy” R. Austin, 65, a resident of Brooksville, Florida, and native of South Colton, New York, passed away October 20th, 2023 in his home surrounded by many loved ones.

Jim will be cremated and await to be buried with the love of his life, Sharon Snyder, in Hermon Dekalb Cemetery.

He had resided in Brooksville, Florida for 5 years, and previously resided in Georgia.

Jim was pre-deceased by his parents, Donald J. and Teresa, brothers, Donald E. and Timothy, and sister Mary.

He is survived by brothers, Stephen (Deanna), Kevin (Rebecca), Alan (Carolyn), and Robert “Pete”, sons James “Bear” (Sarah) and Forrest, fiancé and high school sweetheart, Sharon Snyder; her children, Kennin, Kakia and Kie,whom he loved as his own; grandchildren, Jameson, Jeremiah, and Kaysin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was a family man above all else.

Born in England on March 3, 1958, to the late Donald J. and Teresa Reynolds Austin, he graduated from Colton-Pierrepoint Central School and became a proud Veteran after enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

He served 22 years between the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve.

Following his time in the service and many awards and years later he pursued his other passion of working as a Mechanic.

Jim worked with various companies such as Coca-Cola, and SNL and finalized his career as a College Professor teaching welding at both Pasco-Hernando State College and Marchman College.

He absolutely loved spending time with family and dog (Kara), fixing various things with his tools, teaching his kids how to do the same, shooting guns collecting coins, watching old westerns, attending old car shows, and ensuring everyone always had enough to eat.”