James “Jim” Edward Thayer, 86, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at his home.

Jim was born April 4, 1926, in Brocton, N.Y.

He served with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He graduated from Alfred University, and attended several other universities. Jim was an educator, and his last position was Vice President of Health Sciences at the State University of New York in Buffalo.

Jim, a loving husband and father of five, is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; and three children, sons, Brian and Michael, and daughter, Alison DiFiore.

A private burial will be held in Brocton, at a later date. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family and sign the memory book.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Punta Gorda Chapel.