Bruce G. Ames, 69, Colton

COLTON -- After a courageous battle with leukemia, Bruce G. Ames, 69, a resident of Gulf Road, Colton, passed away peacefully at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital on July 25, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Bruce was born July 4^th, 1955, in Potsdam, NY to Amaranth and Norma (Stark) Ames.

Bruce graduated from Canton Central School in 1974 and married Judy Fisher in 1977 in South Colton.

Bruce (Lumpy) could often be found pitching at a softball field anywhere in Northern New York. He played for several years, having to stop when he turned 64, after winning several championships and MVP Pitcher awards.

Bruce worked several jobs in his life, from the papermill, to construction, but his favorite was running his own convenience store, Ames’ General Store, in Colton where he developed lifetime bonds and friendships over the 17 years he owned the store.

Whenever you stopped at the store, he was sure to have a wise comment or joke. After selling his store, he continued to work at other local stores.

Bruce found joy working with numerous Colton-Pierrepont sports teams for many years where he made a profound impact on many athletes.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Judy; his daughter and son-in-law, Simone and Thomas Young of Norwood; and his three grandchildren, Ryan (Tobey) Young of Ontario, NY, Mackenzie (William) Seguin of Massena, NY and Blake Young (Dayna Sullivan) of Norwood, as well as two great-grandsons, Henry Young and William Seguin Jr. He is also survived by his mother, Norma Ames; and his six siblings, Allen (Sue) Ames, Bonnie Aldous (Joe Wood), Debbie Gilson (Jim Smith), Joyce (Wayne) Sheridan, Kevin Ames (Sally Remington), and Ryan (Kristen) Ames; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bruce was an avid NY Yankee fan. Bruce loved spending time in his vegetable garden and for years offered fresh vegetables at his little roadside stand. He also enjoyed time in the woods deer hunting.

At Christmastime, he brought great joy to many local children.

In recent years, he enjoyed his mornings with the McDonald’s Coffee Club.

He loved attending his nephews’ (Jackson and Parker Ames) sporting events. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but his greatest source of pride was his grandson, Blake, and he often boasted about Blake’s talents and accomplishments.

In 2011, Bruce was awarded the Town of Colton’s Virginia Smith Community Service Award. Bruce was an associate member of the Colton Fire Department and Vice President of the Crary Mills Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the charity of your choice.

Calling hours for family and friends will be Tuesday, July 30^th from 2-6 p.m. at the Buck Funeral Home in Colton, where in keeping with Bruce’s wishes, please wear casual clothing. 

A reception will follow calling hours at the Crary Mills Community Center, 35 Post Road, Canton, NY. 

A private burial will be held later in the South Colton Cemetery. 

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.buckfuneralhome.com. 

The Buck Funeral Home in Colton is serving the family of Bruce G. Ames.