James Francis Sganga

James Francis Sganga, 79, of Camillus, passed away Sunday at the Veterans Affair Medical Center. Born in Waterloo on April 1, 1946, Jim was the beloved son of Francis and Denise Sganga. He was raised in Minoa and settled in Camillus in 1989.

After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1965, Jim bravely served his country during the Vietnam War. Honorably discharged in 1968, he went on to have a successful career as a performance analyst, dedicating 37 years to U.S. Airways before his retirement in 2001. In addition to his military service, Jim continued to serve his fellow veterans as a former post commander of the John F. Chadwick VFW #5284. His dedication to his fellow servicemen and women will always be remembered.

Jim’s strong faith was evident as he actively participated in the community as a communicant of both St. Joseph's Church and Holy Family Church. He served as a Eucharistic minister at Holy Family offering comfort and support to those in need.

Jim was predeceased by his grandson, Jarod; and parents.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, the former Sharon Sweet; daughter, Lisa Leo of Kirkville; step-daughters, Sheila (Jeffrey) Foss of Endfield, CT, and Jennifer (Douglas) McGowan of Camillus; step-son, Thomas (Anne) Lavere of Camillus; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Eileen) of Lycoming; and sister, Reine Williams of Myrtle Beach, SC.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Jim will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.

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