Lakeville, NY: At age 87, James “Jim” West passed peacefully on May 7, 2024 at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY. He was born on May 22, 1936 in Rochester, NY to the late Samuel and Josephine (Vallone) West. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Sybil (Guenther) West and siblings, Ann Nesbitt, Frank West, and Anthony “Bud” West. Survived by his children, James (Linda) West Jr. of Fairport, Edward (Dana) West of Prescott, AZ, and Patricia (David) Zielinski of Aliso Viejo, CA; grandchildren, Jessica West, Edward West Jr., James “Trey” West III, Noelle Zielinski, and Claire Zielinski; brothers-in-law, Francis “Fritz” Guenther, Michael (Rhonda) Guenther and Tom (Pat) Guenther; also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends in the Livonia Community.
After graduating from Livonia High School, Jim studied Photographic Science at Rochester Institute of Technology earning his Bachelor’s Degree. He served in the US Army and was on active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also served his community in Fairport, NY as a volunteer firefighter in the Bushnell Basin Fire Department and as a Boy Scout Leader. Jim enjoyed a 32-year career at Eastman Kodak that took him and the family from Rochester to Southern California where he was a District Manager. His Kodak career peaked when he was named Service Manager and V.P. for the European Region which was an exciting time for him and Sybil moving to London.
After returning to the states and retiring, they spent several years in San Diego, California, Tucson Arizona and Northern Virginia. When Jim found himself alone after Sybil passed, he became very active in the Knights of Columbus. He answered his sister-in law Dorothy’s call and moved back home to lead the family business. Here he reunited with his brother Bud and became very active in Livonia Rotary and Hemlock Fair. He was also able to spend time with his big Sister Ann whom he had always been close with. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Geneseo became his second home. He was active on Parish Council, Men’s Club and Finance Committee. He loved his time on the water at his home on Conesus Lake.
Jim was a loving leader in his family and extended family where many came to him for thoughts and advice. He never missed events to support his children, their spouses, or grandchildren. Friends in all the organizations were greeted with a smile and he truly wished the best for them. He was described as a “great guy” by those who knew him.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, May 14th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY. Jim’s Funeral Mass will be held at 10am on Wednesday, May 15th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4 Avon Road, Geneseo, NY. Burial will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Livonia, with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 4 Avon Road, Geneseo, NY 14454 or the Knights of Columbus Council 15917, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY 14450. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
May God grant the West Family His peace in
Their itime of sorrow . God Bless
My sincere condolences to Mr. West’s family and friends. I met him when I volunteered at the Noyes Health Center and he always had a smile for me. He had a life well lived.
Greeting Jim always put a smile in my heart. We will miss his presence. Condolences to family and friends.
Jim (Mr. West) is the father of my dearest friend, Patricia. I have had the privilege of knowing him through his many visits to So Cal over the years! What joy he brought to his family! The happiness in the air was always palatable! I am certain his goodness will continue in his prayers for all of us. His quiet generosity and goodness. Much love and deep condolences to the entire family. I am sure he was greeted by Our Lord with, “Well done good and faithful servant!” Much love
Jim was an AMAZING GUY ………He was so kind and never said a bad word about anyone or anything. He did so much for the community with his involvement in the Rotary, Church and the Hemlock “Little Worlds” Fair. He always giggled and said to me don’t sweat the small stuff. I was so glad to be close to him and his brother Bud West. I will miss the messages, calls, lunches, Fair time and the boat boat rides around the lake. Jim was the very best of the best. This one hurts big time!! Jim tell Bud I said HI I am also so glad you are reunited with the love of your life. YOU WERE THE BEST!!!
One could not ask for a better friend or neighbor. May peace be with you, Jim.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in James’ passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
The FHS Class of ’77 extends its deepest condolences to our classmate Jim and all the West family on the passing of Mr. West. We will keep you all in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time.
I was shocked to see that Jim had passed. He was always in a good mood even though I knew he was often in pain. God Bless his family through this. He always talked fondly of them and the time he was able to spend with them. I’m going to miss you Jim.
Uncle Jim was a wonderful caring man.
Always a smile on his face.
I know my Dave would be very sad loosing his Uncle.
Dave’s family is sending their love and condolences.
We are truly sorry, Sue, Jeanine, Jacob and family, David Jr and family
I want to thank Jim for his years of service with me on the “bread run”. We had lots of laughs stories to share. He visited me and called to chat since I had my strokes. We will miss the family Fourth of July gatherings. Thanks for his service to St. Mary’s. May the Lord watch over the West family. Peace and Love Joe and Lucille Kane.
I am deeply sorry to hear about Jims passing.
My heart goes out to his family .
One of my favorite people ….
I was honored to have known him .
He was a kind gentle soul who always had a smile & a helping hand.
We served together on the “bread run ” for
a few years – he always called me kiddo !
I will sorely miss him & our friendship.
Fly high Mr. WEST
A good friend and counsel. Jim will be missed for his warmth and good humor. God Bless and R.i.P.
Jim was a dear friend and I will miss him a lot. He was a fantastic host for Lake on Fire and other boating outings. May he rest in peace and watch over us.
I will miss Jim, I enjoyed counting with him.
I also enjoyed cooking for him.
He was a gentleman and a dear friend.