

He was born on November 7, 1940 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Jim grew up in Jersey City and Lyndhurst, New Jersey. He graduated from Lyndhurst High School. In late 1965, Jim and his wife bought an operating dairy farm in upstate Maryland, New York. It was quite an adventure for a young man of 25 years, and after several years of operating the farm, they decided to continue with a growing family in central New Jersey. In 1971, Jim decided to move his family west and ended up in Texas. It was in San Marcos, Texas, that he built a ranch and raised his family. He made many friends in the Hays County area, and
with the help of his old friend, Ernest Webster, Jim also learned to Team Rope and Bull Dog and had great times at "The Downhil Arena".
Jim was a “semi” successful part-time rancher as well as being a full time Journeyman at the Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local Union 286 in Austin, Texas. Jim retired from the Local 286 after several decades of service as Superintendent and Job Foreman for the construction of the many large office and hotel buildings that encompass the skyline of South Austin.
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, sculpting and dabbling in taxidermy. He lovingly enjoyed all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He traveled the country extensively, with Colorado being one of his favorite destinations for both elk hunting and vacationing.
Always meeting new people wherever he went, and none were a stranger, Jim made many lifelong friends with whom he always stayed in touch.
Jim enjoyed a good joke or prank, and certainly showed that with his best friends Jerry Evans and Eddie Barret. They are all having a great laugh in heaven together now.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Julia.
Jim is survived by his children: Douglas and wife Nataliia; Kurt, and his wife of 33 years, Christa;
Scott, and his wife of 27 years, Nicki;
and Lynda, and her partner of 24 years, Charleanea.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Colton, Cade and Andy, and his great grandchildren, Vonna and Vincent along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
We all have our ups and downs in life, the good and the bad. Jim made it through every situation always coming out great on the other side. He liked to say, “it’s not how you start, but how you finish.”
Jim was a wonderful son, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather to the end.
Our family would like to give eternal thanks to Sara Cullinan, his exceptional private nurse and caregiver, who for the last year and a half gave Jim, and the family, loving care and companionship.
A sincere thanks as well to all the great residents and staff of Discovery Village at the Dominion, and the wonderful staff of Magnolia Living and Rehabilitation, especially Evelyn, who made Jim’s final weeks more comfortable and caring.
Friends of Jim, and most importantly, the friends of Jim’s surviving family, are invited to attend a Memorial Service to celebrate Jim’s life on:
Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:30pm - 8:30pm
at Embassy Suites
1001 E. McCarty Lane
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Jim always loved hosting a big get together, so the family strongly encourages all to come and enjoy bbq, cold beer and wine along with great stories and joyful memories.
Interment will be at a later date in Rosendale, NY. Please feel free, in lieu of flowers, to donate to the Animal Defense League of San Antonio or any pet adoption service of your choice.
Jim loved all of his family’s dogs, especially Tucker who sat on his lap in the final weeks, and Vinnie, who always was quick with a lick and up for a belly rub.
DONATIONS
Animal Defense League11215 Iota Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78217
Any Pet Adoption Service of your choice
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