Livonia, NY/Rochester, NY: James “Jimmy” Wesley Stiner, 41, of Livonia, NY, passed away from a heart attack on Saturday, April 17, 2021.
Anyone who had the honor to meet Jimmy would tell you that he was larger than life and one of the kindest souls to walk this earth. He always had a smile on his face and was always checking in on everyone he knew to make sure they were doing well. Jimmy loved to listen to music and dance and was especially fond of The Grateful Dead, Phish, and Twiddle. He was also a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan through and through. He was pure light and love in a world of increasing darkness. He will be sorely missed.
Jimmy worked for the local bricklayer union, BAC Local 11, for 15 years after graduating from Livonia High School in 1997. He suffered from a long-term addiction to drugs and alcohol, which led to his eventual rehabilitation in 2019. Since then, Jimmy worked steadily with Foodlink in Rochester, preparing and packaging food for local schools and helping distribute food to those in need in the greater Rochester area. Foodlink provided Jimmy an opportunity to get back on his feet through their Fellow program, and he was the first person in New York State to be licensed as a chef journeyman. Jimmy was so proud of the skills he learned there and the steps he was making in life. Above all, he was so proud to stay clean. It is a true irony of life for a heart attack to have taken him, just as he was beginning to truly thrive in society.
Jimmy is survived by one son, Joshua Wesley Stiner of Brighton, who was the love of his life, and his reason for living and staying sober, and former wife Amy Giebel of Brighton. He also leaves behind his parents, James Stiner, of Nauvoo, PA and Cindy Graham, of Liberty, PA; his brother, William (Jessica) Stiner of Pittsburgh, PA; his grandmothers, Tracy Ladue of Rochester and Wanda Graham of Liberty, PA; aunts and uncles Heather, Bob, Rick, Pete, and Gina; cousins Darick, Jesse, and Sloane; and many chosen family members and friends whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Melvin Graham of Liberty, PA, James Stiner of Canton, PA, and Robert Ladue of Rochester and uncle William.
A Gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY 14487. All are welcome and tie-dye encouraged. No formal funeral service will be held and interment will take place privately.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either of the following foundations: To celebrate the journey of sobriety that Jimmy followed, donations can be made to WaterWheel’s Divided Sky Fund, Phish’s non-profit organization dedicated to opening a sobriety house in Ludlow, VT. Donations can be made at http://trey.com/donate.
To celebrate his son Josh’s heart warrior journey, donations can be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester at http://www.rmhcrochester.
To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Jim and Cindy I feel your pain. God Bless You He’s in God’s hands now !!!
Cindy and Family, I’am so sad to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. You have always been a wonderful mother and grandmother and Jim was a reflection of your love. May Gd Bless you all and give you strength at a time when you need it most.
Love that man like an older brother. Made everyone around him happier. And I’m so god damn honored to have worked with a guy like that. He was a big teddy bear. Always checked up on me to make sure I was doing okay… I’ll miss him forever? crying my eyes out writing this… R.I.P JIMBO SLICE
Cindy an family. So very sorry to hear the news of Jimmy. We where neighbors on Wilkins Tract an I knew Jimmy from football as well. God Bless you at this difficult time. Jim Blum. Flagler Beach , Florida.
It’s not supposed to be like this, I am so sorry Cindy my heart aches for you and the whole family. Jim was loved by everyone no matter what path he was traveling. An unassuming and always loving with everything he had, there wasn’t a person who he couldn’t make smile. A rare true friend and a man a parent could be proud of no matter what because at the end of every day he was was always pure of heart. I pray the family finds peace knowing that though you cannot see him he is always by your side. Look for the signs.
Rest In Peace Jim and I will drive it home with one headlight!
Jim ,Cindy and family so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences. Jimmy was a good old boy and he will be greatly missed, may he RIP.
I didn’t know Jimmy, but I know our Heady community and we are all one! May you dance to the sweet tunes of Jerry in the sky!
Very sorry to hear of this, Our thoughts are with the family.
didn’t know jimmy .saw his picture. like you said he just seemed like he would be a big teddie bear and so young. then i read his obit. my daughter had an addiction as well. got sober and passed shorty after. I commend his efforts to helping others . as they always say ” the good ones die young”. so sorry for your loss. we I had known him. god bless.
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice come through the music?
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It’s a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps they’re better left unsung
I don’t know, don’t really care
Let there be songs to fill the air
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full, may it be again
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of men
There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone
Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall, you fall alone
If you should stand, then who’s to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home
La da da da…
Ripple by The Grateful Dead
I will forever miss our conversations and your big smile…..
Wendy Voss
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of jimmy. He was a big hearted, sweet man. The world will miss you, man Peace
Praying for The Stiner Family… My buddy My Meatball bandit still can’t believe u gone so soon.. Thank u for all the good laughs,songs, jokes and good stories we had together. I make sure u never be forgotten u were an amazing person amazing friend Rest In Peace My meatball
Extending my deep appreciation for such an honest and beautiful write up for Jimmy. I went to high school with him and would see him around at shows years ago, always with such a big smile on his face. I’ll listen to some Phish and Dead in his honor. Sending love.
Fare you well, Jimmy <3
Jimmy it was so great to see the excitement on your face and hear it in your voice as you started your journey as a chef. Go now there are other worlds then these and we will meet again at the clearing at the end of the path.
“Wildflower seed on the sand and wind,
May the four winds blow you home again.”
The DeadHead community mourns your loss.
Praying for the Stiner family. We will miss you Jimmy. I will continue to keep my ears open to hear “Happy Friday Eve Chef” as you would say ever Thursday. Thank you for all the laughter, fun and joy you shared with us everyday.
Jimmy was a great guy who made an impact on all those around him, even if you didn’t know him well!!! He always made people smile and laugh and was willing to chat if you needed to be lifted!! My condolences to the entire family!!!
Stiner had the kindest soul and most loving heart. He made everyone feel appreciated and special. He was a legend and will be deeply missed. We love you Jimmy.
One of our “boys” is gone – way to soon – you will be missed by many – especially your “friends”. RIP Jimmie
Jimmy was my great nephew I am going to miss our chats on fb.I always told him how proud i was of him. I know he sure loved his son my prayers go out to him, his mother,father brother Bill and sister in law . May you RIP Jimmy I know you are going to be missed very much
Jimmy,
You were one of the great kids that became a part of our family….my heart goes out to everyone who knew you. So proud of all you accomplished. You were always there for your son. A good kid that became a good man. Your smile will remain stamped in everyone’s heart that was lucky enough to have been given it. It will remain forever in mine. Rest in peace.
Mrs. Linda Leone
It is a sad day to loss this guy. Jimmy was a great guy. You will be missed. So glad I knew you Jimmy. Gone to soon. RIP my friend.
My sincere condolences to the Stiner Family at the loss of Jimmy. What a tragedy after he struggled successfully to win over his demons. I had the pleasure of having laughs with both he and his father years ago, and they remain some of my fondest memories. Rest in peace Jimmy, your struggling is over.
My heart goes out to the Stiner family. Jimmy was such an amazing person and a great friend. Rest in peace Jimmy, you will be missed.
Jimmy always made me smile. I have a funny story to share. Jimmy attended our annual St Patrick’s Day party. The music started- the boys were dancing with many of our friends- Jimmy approached and asked me to dance- “Mrs, Fitz, there are no more old ladies to dance with- will you dance with me please?”
He always made us smile- that’s a gift that made the world more special.
Peace and prayers,
The Fitzgeralds
Love ya brother, you will be miss but never forgotten.