Thursday, October 9, 2014 6:02 am

ROCHESTER - James (Jimmy) Caron of Rochester died in the company of family and friends on October 4, 2014, after a period of ill health. He will be remembered as a free spirit, who valued experience, adventure, and friends over material possessions.

He traveled extensively, trying to understand and appreciate the cultures of each place he visited. Extremely self-sufficient, he was nicknamed MacGyver for his skill at improvising with any tools and fixing anything. Born in Rochester, April 14, 1952, Jimmy attended Rochester schools and became accomplished at handiwork, particularly leather and wood. He learned to cherish nature during summers at his family's cottage on Kingswood Pond. Jim always sought adventure, traveling throughout Europe in a van, then visiting Central America and settling part time in Costa Rica. For over 10 years he spent his winters there living close to nature and becoming one of the locals.

Recently, Jimmy spent winters in Wickenburg, Arizona, prospecting. While he never expected to strike it big, it gave him an opportunity to spend time in the hills, and absorb the New Age environment. Returning to Rochester for the summer Jimmy lived in his blue bus, outfitted with all the comforts of home. He was always available to help a friend fix something or share his time.

Jimmy was predeceased by his parents Joan and Leo Caron. He is survived by his daughter Jessica Caron, son-in-law Ian Turlin and grandson, Mathis of Stoughton, Mass. He also leaves three siblings: Faith Phipps of Eliot, Maine; Marie Bly of Milan, and Pete Caron of Essen, Germany.