James Francis Cieri

James Francis (Binky) Cieri, 89, of McCormick, SC, died Monday, February 3, 2025, at Emerald Gardens in Greenwood, SC. Mr. Cieri was born April 3, 1935 in Elmira NY, the son of the late Harry Cieri and the late Lena (Moss) Cieri.

Mr. Cieri enlisted in the Army in October of 1955 and began his service in Fort Dix, NJ. He served the country for 2 years before being honorably discharged. He received the Good Conduct Medal in 1957. 

In September 1959, he married Ellen Katherine Condo. The couple had four children and resided in Plattsburgh, NY for more than 40 years before relocating to McCormick, S.C., in March 2003.

Mr. Cieri worked at Condo Pharmacy for a number of years and then began his career selling cars at numerous dealerships around the Plattsburgh area that included McMartin Motors, Durocher Auto Sales, Bill McBride Auto Sales, and Bailey Motors in Dannemora, NY. He retired in the month of September 2001. 

Jim was a member of the Men’s Full Gospel Ministry and was a devout Catholic until the time of his death. His real passion was the sport of golf where he found himself on the tee box every Wednesday afternoon and then again early on Sunday morning following the “Golfers Mass” at St John’s Catholic Church. Jim’s interest in the sport was passed down through his children to which all, including his grandson Harrison, play to this day. 

Many friends and family remember Jim as being the consummate gentleman as well as a well -kept individual. His calming disposition and subtle mannerisms were present wherever he went and coined a phrase uniquely his own “what difference does it make”. Jim and (Ellen) both loved to dance. At all the family functions, you would see Jim dancing with the youngest of nieces and nephews that were only 3, 4, and 5 years old at the time, for their memories are everlasting. 

Jim also had a second passion and that was singing. He joined the church choir at Good Shepherd in McCormick and then blended his talents by joining the Savannah Lakes community chorus accompanying his daughter Gina. He clearly heard angels on high worshipping as he entered the gates of heaven, he sang with joy! 

He is survived by a daughter, Gina M. Cieri of McCormick, SC; three sons, James J. Cieri of Greenwood, SC, Christopher W. Cieri (Lyndsey) of Clayton, NC and Joseph A. Cieri of Tequesta FL; a grandson, Harrison Cieri of Clayton, NC; a sister, Mary Niekras (Robert) of Salisbury, NC and 20 nieces and nephews. He also leaves countless loving friends in both New York state and South Carolina. 

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 1401 Greenwood Highway, McCormick, SC 29835 with Rev. Father Jacob Joseph officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont Inc., 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Cieri family.