James B. Titus

James B. Titus, LaFargeville, NY, passed away January 18, 2026 at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where he had been a resident since January 13, previously admitted to Samaritan Hospital on December 23, 2025.

Jim was born on August 15, 1943 in Gloversville, NY, the son of Thomas A. and Adelaide R. Rathbun Titus. He was a 1961 graduate of Mayfield High School and a 1963 graduate of Cobleskill College of Agriculture & Technology, receiving his associate’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

Jim joined the US Navy in August 1964, serving on the USS Buck with duty from May 1965 until January 1967 in the Philippines at the Navel Communication Station. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and Ribbon Bar, and received an honorable discharge in August 1968.

Jim married Mary M. White on October 12, 1968 at the Stone Mills Methodist Church with Rev Edgar Hunter officiating.

Jim worked as the head horticulturist for the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority with a love of Boldt Castle and was employed from 1974 until his retirement on January 1, 2006. Prior to his time at TIBA he had also previously worked for several florists and Charles Pace Greenhouses in Cazenovia NY.

He was a member of the American Horticultural Society, Jefferson County Garden Club, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners, and the Lyme Garden Club. Jim enjoyed music, playing clarinet, photography, gardening, giving wreath, flower and gardening workshops and designing arrangements.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his son Jeremy (Rebecca) Titus, Oswego, NY; daughter Jessica Brown, Nampa, Idaho; grandchildren, Braydon Titus, Miranda (Chayce) Roberts, Racheal, Emma, and Claire Brown; great grandchildren Paisley and Easton Roberts, sisters-in-law; Marie Wiltse, Melanie (Teddy) Nier and Gloria White, former son-in-law Terry Brown and sister Roxanne Larson, Chickamauga, GA; nieces and nephews: Laura, Michelle, Timothy, Susan, Kris, Carrie, Edward and Candace. He is predeceased by his brother, Roger Titus and sister, Jean Stoddard.

No services will be held. 

Donations can be made to Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL), 210 Court St, Watertown,NY with notation: for blind.