FRANKFORT-Mr. James F. "Jim" Vivacqua, 93, of West Main Street, a lifelong Frankfort resident, went home to be with the Lord on Monday evening, September 8, 2008 peacefully in Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. Jim was born on July 22, 1915 in Frankfort and grew up in the Vivacqua home on Frankfort Street. He was the son of the late Fidele "Fred" and Theresa (Sylvestri) Vivacqua and graduated from Frankfort High School, "Class of 1932". It was in St. Mary's Church, Frankfort on May 6, 1950 that Jim married Mary Valent. Prior to her passing on November 19, 1994, the couple shared a blessed union of 44 years. The Vivacqua's were inspired by mutual feelings of abiding respect and sincere commitment. Mr. Vivacqua served in the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1934-1937. A Veteran of the second World War, Jim began his tour of duty on January 14, 1941 enlisting with the United States Army and was honorably discharged on July 23, 1945, holding the rank of Private First Class from the Separation Center, Fort Dix, New Jersey. Jim served during the following battles and campaigns: Algerian-French Morocco, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Sicily, and Tunisia and served with Company G in the 16th Infantry. He was the recipient of the following decorations and citations: American Defense Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, EAME Service Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and the Good Conduct Medal. He also was the proud recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, June 6, 1944. When his section's advance was blocked by an enemy machine-gun emplacement, Private Vivacqua voluntarily crossed exposed terrain and with accurate rifle fire, assisted in neutralizing the hostile weapon. Private Vivacqua's heroic act contributed materially to the success of the invasion. Mr. Vivacqua was last employed with the former Library Bureau of Herkimer. He was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort and always found comfort in his Catholic faith. Religion was one of his greatest sources of strength. Jim belonged to the St. Francis Society of Frankfort, Columbian Federation of Italian American Society, Frankfort American Legion Post #845 where he served as past commander and the Voiture #352 Herkimer County 40 et 8. Mr. Vivacqua was a man who committed all his energy, all his ability and all his being to his family and believed that taking care of his loved ones was his primary responsibility in life, one he accepted and welcomed with love, pride and dedication. He had a deep pride in his Italian heritage and sharing the customs and traditions with his family. Survivors include two loving daughters: Teresa Riscica and husband Joseph of Frankfort, and Andrea Zach and husband Paul of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; two close brothers: Sidney "Sid" Vivacqua of Frankfort and Fred Vivacqua and wife Ann of Ilion; two beloved sisters: Mary Foglia and Agnes Wilk both of Frankfort; three cherished grandchildren: Joseph Riscica, III, James Riscica, and Aaron Zach; in laws: Mary Vivacqua and Delores Vivacqua; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by six brothers: Frank, Nick, George, Salvatore, Carl and Joseph Vivacqua and by a sister: Frances Eramo. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Enea Family Funeral Home of Frankfort (4309 Acme Rd.,) 894-8000, on Thursday, September 11, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. Mr. Vivacqua's funeral will commence at 9:15 am on Friday, September 12,2008 from the chapel of the Enea Family Funeral Home where a prayer service will be held and at 10 am from Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort St., Frankfort, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Alfred Lamanna, pastor emeritus assisted by Deacon Jim Bower. Funeral procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where committal service will take place. Military honors will be offered by the United States Army. Kindly consider memorial contributions to the national fund for sending our Veterans to Washington, DC or to the Frankfort Fire Department; envelopes are available at the Enea Family Funeral Home. Members of the St. Francis Society of Frankfort will gather at the funeral home on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. to conduct their service. The Frankfort American Legion will conduct their service at 7 p.m. The Vivacqua family feels deeply grateful to numerous people who have been of great assistance and comfort, offering Jim and his family loving compassion and care especially mentioning the wonderful caregivers at Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion. The entire staff at the nursing home provided personal commitment and excellent care.