“James Conley, 84. of 233 S. Albany St.. a former Mayor of Ithaca and a prominent local Democrat. died today, at Tompkins County Hospital following a long illness. 

For many years he operated a retail liquor store at 115 S. Aurora St. Popular with the community's Republican majority despite his Democratic Party affiliation, he was elected Mayor in 1945. 

He served from Jan. 1 to Sept. 1, 1946, but resigned because of a technical question regarding the propriety of a liquor store licensee serving in public office. declining to transfer the license which would have dismissed a ruling by the State Liquor Authority. 

After leaving office he served three terms as Third Ward Supervisor, and was a member of the County Board of Health. He was chairman of the board's Health Coordination Committee and a member of the Welfare, Highway and Civil Service Committee. 

He was appointed to the Board of Public Works by Mayor Bert T. Baker, serving al six-year terrn, and then was appointed by Mayor John Ryan to complete the expiring term of J. Reed Colbert. He resigned in 1956 in a disagreement with Ryan over committee procedures. 

In public life for 22 years, he was director of the Eighth District Works Progress Administration in 1935, holding the post through 1942. 

City Court Judge James J. Clynes Jr.. a personal friend and attorney for Conley and city attorney under Conley's administration issued this statement: 

‘The passing of Jim Conley marks a milestone in the history of Ithaca. He served his community in many capacities as its mayor, a long time member of the Board of Public Works, and a member of the County Board of Supervisors. I cherish the many fond memories of him both personally and in public life. His loss will be keenly felt by his family, his community and his church.' 

Mr. Conley was born in Towanda. Pa., the son of the late Patric P. and Mary Fitten Conley. He was graduated from Cornell University's College of Engineering in 1910 and was engaged in construction and engineering for 26 years. 

He was past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Elks. 

He is survived by his wife. Mrs. Harriet Oakes Conley of Ithaca; a daughter, Miss Alice Conley Ithaca: four sons James J. Conley, John R. Conley, Robert T. Conley, all of Ithaca, and William P. Conley of Syracuse; fifteen grandchildren. one great-grandchild; two brothers. Joseph W. 

Conley of Ithaca and Edward F. Conley of Moravia: several nieces and nephews. 

Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Details will be announced at a later date.”

“Former Mayor Dies at 84,” Ithaca Journal, September 29, 1970, 5.