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TUPPER LAKE
James J. Foti, 63, died September 11, 2015 at the Albany Medical Center with his devoted wife, Maureen, at his side. Jim fought a long and courageous battle against the ravages of heart disease. His was a strong personality and he lived his life with gusto. Anyone who knew him can picture his beaming face with a twinkle in his eye and a smile full of mischief. A bit of his spirit will remain in the hearts of his family members and friends.
Jim was born In Watertown, New York and attended school there. He served in the United States Army, was wounded and honorably discharged. After the service he obtained a degree from Jefferson Community College. He began his restaurant career as a teenager at various locations including the Thousand Islands and Cranberry Lake. He moved to Tupper Lake in 1984.
He was the manager and chef at the Park Restaurant before opening the White Birch Café on the Boulevard. While recovering from his first open heart surgery he extensively remodeled and redecorated his building on Park Street where he moved the White Birch Cafe in 2007. Many times the whole family worked there sharing in Jim’s dream. Jim was a skilled restaurant manager and his passion was cooking. He loved feeding people at his restaurant and also at his home. He was a dedicated worker and was reluctant to close his restaurant. His customers will sorely miss the atmosphere and fine food
Gambling was among his many interests. He and Maureen enjoyed trips a few times a year to Atlantic City. He also loved to try out new recipes on family and friends. .
He will be dearly missed by his survivors: his loving wife, Maureen; his daughters, Stephanie and Jessica; and by Ryan Cavallaro. He is also survived by his sister, Pearl Harrienger (John) of Watertown, New York; his sister, Kathie Decent (Tim) of Lakeland, Tennessee; several in-laws and nieces and nephews in addition to many friends and avid diners. He was predeceased by his parents, Phillip and Dorothy Foti and two brothers, Patrick Foti and Anthony Foti.
Calling hours are scheduled from 4 to 7 p. m. on Thursday, September 17 at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 18 at St. Alphonsus Church at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Services will also be held at the Glenwood Cemetery in Watertown at a later date.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Heart Association or the Fisher house foundation in care of the funeral home.
The family wants to express sincere thanks to the healthcare professionals and friends who comforted him during his long illness. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

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