James was born to Lewis E. Van Wie and Arlene W. Van Wie, November 25, 1946, in Oswego, New York.  He graduated from Cato-Meridian in 1964 and went on to receive a Civil engineering degree from SUNY Alfred in 1966.  He continued his studies at Buffalo State.  He spent his career working across New York State as an engineering inspector for NYS DOT, as a clerk of the works for construction at various schools and civil inspector for many road, bridge and infrastructure projects.  His favorite hobbies included hunting, fishing, watching the Bills play football and Sunday drives.  Among his most cherished memories are family gatherings, especially family dinners at Fair Haven Bay.  Jim will be missed by many and remembered most for his humor, teasing, storytelling and kind heart.

He leaves behind his 3 children: Kimberly (Michael) Gillem of California, Durae (Christopher) Van Wie of North Carolina, Travis Van Wie of Cato; former spouse Chris Van Wie; his 2 siblings sister Nancy (David) MacDonald of Fair Haven and brother Robert (Claudia) Van Wie of California and nephew Greg (Jennifer) MacDonald of Maryland and niece Marcia (Cory) Bittner of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Arlene Van Wie of Fair Haven and sister Jackie Brand of Syracuse.

No services will be held at this time.  Donations from those desiring may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or in honor of Jim's deep interest in history, a donation in Jim's memory to the Cato CIVIC Heritage Historical Society PO Box 389, Cato NY 13033

Arrangements are in care of the Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Cato. www.catoredcreek.com