Mr. James Brian Underwood

In loving memory of Mr. James Brian Underwood, 67, of Groton, N.Y., who passed away on August 13, 2026. Born on August 2, 1959, in Cortland, James was the son of Arnold J. and Patricia Ann MacDougall Underwood. Jim's working career included many areas and interests, he grew up farming, and was formerly employed by Gutchess Lumber, Cortland Bulk, Barrett Paving, Construction and then finished up his working career working for Suit-Kote. He had spent the last 29 years volunteering with Humanitarian Missions for UMCOR, including Hurricane's Katrina and Sandy. The Southern Tier flooding in 2011 with FEMA and the Ice Storms in the Northeast in 1998.Jim was a UMCOR first responder trainer, also worked with Habitat for Humanity, Mission trips to Maine, Home restoration, Onondaga Nation Missions trip to build wheelchair ramps, he also once carved a Cross out of a whole tree with his chainsaw. Additionally, Jim was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and very active in the worship team at First United Methodist Church of Cortland. Jim spent all his time helping friends, who he considered family helping with anything they needed, Jim would never say No. Friends and strangers were all family even if they didn't know it yet. He loved being around everyone, but we were the ones who were blessed by him. If he heard of a need even if it was not asked of him, the response was the same- "will do" for anyone and everyone. Builder, inventor, listener, but most of all LOVE. Love of people, and bringing joy by any means necessary to any and everyone. Ice Cream connoisseur. Jim loved being outdoors, anything with the farm, especially the animals, fishing and quality control of the ice cream stands. Unshakable faith, strong hands, determination, optimism, unbreakable will, and the biggest heart anyone could ask for. True gift of providing what was needed with any material or lack thereof, almost instantly. We will be discovering all of your works and will miss you more every day that goes by. Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years; Deborah A. Underwood, his sons; Brian (Donna) Underwood, Eric (Jennifer) Underwood and James Underwood (Robyn Linker). He is also survived by grandchildren; Samantha, Kylie, Meagan, Hunter, Carlene, Lacee, Donivan, Ethan and Landon. As well as several great grandchildren; Avery, Oliver, Elliot, Paisley, Braxton, Geo and Waylon and his siblings; Sharon Williams ( Underwood ) , (Dennis) Terry Underwood and Lisa Storie (Underwood) . Jim was preceded in death by his son; Jeremy James Underwood, and a brother; Arnold J. Underwood, Jr. (Pamela) as well as his parents; Arnold J. and Patricia MacDougall Underwood, Sr. Funeral services will be held on Friday August 28, 2026 at 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Rte. 222, in the Town of Cortlandville with Rev. Daniel Bradley officiating. Prayers of committal will be in Cortland Rural Cemetery at the convenience of family. The family will be present to receive friends on Friday from 2-4 p.m. prior to services in the Church 4-6 p.m.. Arrangements have been entrusted to Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. Condolences may also be sent by visiting www.riccardifuneralhome.com

Mr. James Brian Underwood

August 2, 1959 - August 13, 2026