John Archer

JAMESTOWN – John Archer (June 26, 1929 – Oct. 25, 2022)

 John Archer went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2022 in Jamestown, NY.  

John was a man with a lifelong curiosity about people and places.  He was born in Conewango, NY on June 26, 1929. He graduated from Randolph High School as president of his senior class, joined the Air Force in 1948, and then married Patricia, the love of his life, in 1949.

Their 70 years of marriage began in Fairbanks, Alaska with the adventure continuing through twenty-one different residences in New York, California, Arizona, and Virginia, and travel across the USA and abroad.  Even in his later years he was on the move and could be found taking brisk daily walks.

John was a hard worker, moving from setting up voting machines, to tool and die worker, to store manager for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for five years, to production manager at Ralston Purina for nine years, and finally to owning and operating Archer Lumber Company for thirteen years.

John never met a stranger and this was evident in his civic commitment. His community involvement included Boy Scouts of America, coaching Little League, serving on the Board of Directors for both the Arnold Gregory Hospital and First Niagara Bank, as well as leadership in the local Lion’s Club.

A strong Christian faith ruled his life and led him to active involvement in every local church he and Pat attended, in The Gideons International, and participation in several mission outreaches, including to China, Guatemala, and Mexico.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Pat and great grandson Emmett Neilans.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughter Rebecca Neilans of Lynchburg, VA, daughter Debra Heuer and husband Karl of Huntersville, NC, and son Timothy Archer and wife Patricia of Albion, NY.

He is survived by three sisters, Barbara Brown of Olean, NY, Virginia Johnson of Williams Bay, WI, and Clella Mae Essex of Loveland, CO; and by nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John also leaves to his family a love of God, love of travel, and appreciation for the natural world.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022 from 10 am to noon at the Peterson Funeral Home, Frewsburg, NY followed by a funeral service at noon. Burial will be in Rutledge Rural Cemetery, Conewango, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those wishing to make a memorial consider The Gideons International.

Condolences may be sent to John’s family at www.petersonfh.net.