Herkimer - Clifton Park - Mr. James T. "Rosie" Shearer, 85, of Vista Court passed away Friday, December 27, 2013 in Wesley Health Care Center with his loving family by his side. He was born in Herkimer on August 23, 1928, the son of the late Thomas and Ethel Gunter Shearer and he attended Herkimer Schools, graduating from Herkimer High School with the class of 1946. He served in the US Army during World War II until his Honorable Discharge on February 4, 1948. He later attended Utica College where he received his Bachelors Degree Biology and Botany. He was married to Victoria Sczerbaniewicz on November 20, 1954 in Herkimer. Victoria passed away on November 11, 2008. Jim began his career with Jackson & Perkins in the Production/Research/Control Department in 1953 and was later promoted to Production Manager. His knowledge of horticulture, especially roses, resulted in his invention of Miracle Gro, Redi-Plant packaging, an extensive consumer brochure on growing and caring for roses as well as a DVD. He was also inducted into the New York State Nursery/Landscape Association, Inc. Hall of Fame in 1994. Jim retired from Jackson Perkins after 47 years of lecturing, conducting seminars, and consulting all over the Northeast. He was a member of Elks Club in Newark, NY, a Scout Master in Newark, a member of the American Legion in Newburgh, NY and Chairman of the Rose Parade in Newark, NY. James is survived by one daughter and son in law, Susan and Randy Gray of Clifton Park; one son and daughter in law, James and Kim Shearer of Clintondale, NY; his beloved grandchildren and their spouses, Corey and Andrea Gray, Erin and Ryan Prendergast, Christopher Shearer and his fiancé Jahzbele Pagan and James Matthew Shearer; two great-grandchildren, Lilyanne and Blake; three sisters and one brother in law, Margaret Anderson of Ft. Wayne, IN, Marilyn Green of Sanford, NC and Jean and Vern Snyder of Herkimer, NY; one brother, Thomas Shearer of Northville, NY; his in laws, Joseph and Pearl Sczerbaniewicz of Schuyler, NY, Edward and Betsy Sczerbaniewicz of Hohokus, NJ, Leo and Lorraine Sczerbaniewicz of Whitesboro, NY, Josephine Widay of Herkimer, NY, Irene and Ron Szatko of Ilion, NY and Stella Sczerbaniewicz of Herkimer, NY and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Grace Shearer. His funeral will be held Monday at 12:00 PM in the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home, 329 S. Washington St., Herkimer, with the Rev. James Cogar, officiating. Spring interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday morning 10 AM - 12 PM at the Petykiewicz, Iocovozzi & Burns Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Wesley Health Care Center, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, 965 Albany Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110 or to Community Missions, Inc., 1570 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on James's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com