George H. Balcom, Sr., 94, of Bemus Point passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, April 13, 2026. He was born on February 19, 1932 in Jamestown, the son of the late Clarence and Alice Howard Balcom.
George was a 1950 graduate of Mayville Central School. He then proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, he worked for the Rochester Telephone Company before transferring to Alltel Phone Company in Jamestown, where he worked his way up to the Plant Supervisor position.
Over the course of his life, George was a member of the Maple Springs Fire Department, Lakewood American Legion Post 1286, Jamestown Moose Lodge 1681, Vikings Lodge IOV 65, and the EAA Vintage Aircraft Association. He enjoyed restoring planes and cars, hunting, fishing, tending to his vegetable gardens, and traveling. One of his proudest accomplishments was the design and construction of multiple homes on the family property, which continue to be used and enjoyed by multiple generations of the family.
He is survived by his daughter, Diann Jaeger; his daughter-in-law, Carol Balcom; three granddaughters, Jennifer and Janelle Jaeger and Katrina Balcom; and three great-grandchildren, Aurora, Grace and Caleb Barton, all from Bemus Point. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janet Strickland Balcom, whom he married on December 17, 1955; his son, George H. Balcom, Jr.; his grandson, Ryan Clarence Balcom; his son-in-law, John Jaeger; and his four brothers and one sister.
At George's request, there will be no public services. A private graveside service will be held in the Gerry Cemetery, with military honors at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations can be made to the Jamestown Area Soap Box Derby, 101 Merlin Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701. Alternatively, the family encourages anyone to plant a tree in his memory as a living tribute.
Arrangements are by the Freay Funeral Home, 139 South Erie Street in Mayville. To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit www.freayfuneralhome.com.
