James "Spanky" Rebb, Jr.

CARTHAGE, N.Y. — James "Spanky" Rebb, Jr. 60, of 222 State St., Carthage, died peacefully at his home on, May 2, 2023.

Born November 02, 1962, in Lowville, the son of the late James A. Rebb, Sr. and Mary E. (Swem) Rebb, he graduated from Carthage Central High School with the Class of 1984.

Spanky was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, A benevolent member of the West Carthage Fire Department & the Hornets drill team, he was awarded Fireman of the Year in 2005 for his life-saving efforts. During his 38 years of service, he held the positions of Assistant Chief, Benevolent President, Fire Police Captain, Hornets Drill Team Captain, and Department Steward.

He is survived by his brothers, Edmund Rebb and his companion Sue Trombley, a sister, Valerie Rebb Compo, Carthage; sisters-in-laws, Charlotte Rebb, Carthage; Tammey Rebb, of Natural Bridge; and several nieces & nephews, and great-nieces and nephews along with many special cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents, and brother, John W. "Rebby" Rebb.

James enjoyed bowling and dirt track racing, and he loved to ride along with Terry Groff & his tow truck.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the West Carthage Fire Department on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 1:30 pm, "The Traditional Bell Service" will be offered at that time; with the Reverand Canon Samuel P. Lundy, officiating.

Per his wishes, there will be no public calling hours or service. A private burial will be held on Thursday by his family, and he will be laid to rest alongside his mother in the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Carthage, NY.

Spanky was the kind of person that would volunteer for any job that needed to be done and never turned down a request to help. He would answer the fire whistle or even a phone call for help, often sacrificing his own well-being, because that was the kind of man that he was. Self-sacrificing. Giving. A true friend to the community and his fire department family, no matter the circumstances. His dedication to the fire service and the community of West Carthage was something not often matched. To know Spanky, was to know a hard-working, selfless, and dedicated man with a good heart and a kind soul.

Spanky not only gave tirelessly of himself but was known throughout the department and community for so many other great attributes. His passion and love of the Drill Team was driving force for him. The excitement of the race, the smell of the track, and the relationships built through the Firematics events were of extreme importance to him. Around town, you would see him chatting with neighbors at the Carthage high rise or having a coffee at Stewarts. He was always a friendly face and had a good conversation.

The family is being cared for by Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service Inc., located at 500 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619. To leave a message of sympathy for Mr. Rebb’s family please visit www.lundyfuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall.