HERKIMER – James "Jim" E. Wattenschaidt, age 84, a long-time resident of Herkimer, passed away on Tuesday January 28, 2025 in The Grand of Mohawk Valley, Ilion. Jim was born October 26, 1940 in Cumberland, Maryland, a son of the late Earl W. and Wilma L. Kamauf Wattenschaidt (Spiker) . He was raised and educated in Frostburg, Maryland, and graduated from Beall High School in 1958. After graduation, he lived with family in Utica, New York, and was employed with Utica Mutual Insurance. He was united in marriage with the late Virginia "Ginny" North (most recently- Walters) of Bridgewater, NY. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in the 1960's, and honorably discharged in 1969. Jim moved his family to Herkimer in 1974 from Sauquoit, while working briefly for the Whitman Agency, Inc., in Little Falls. He spent the remainder of his long career as a claims adjuster for the Crocker Agency in Herkimer. On December 10, 1993 he married the former Beverly Hubbard Vickers. They shared a loving life of well over 31 years, filled with many fond memories and experiences. Jim had a full life with many activities he enjoyed, especially outdoors. He enjoyed caring for his lawn, and was a handyman with good carpentry skills, which he was always eager to enhance. He began snowmobiling with his daughters, Ginny, and her parents in the 1970's, creating fond memories of grabbing a bite to eat here and there - such as The Lanterns In Clayville, or at a warming shack on the hill in Cassville. He was a member of the East Herkimer Snowriders. He was an avid league bowler for many years, earning trophies along the way. He also played league softball for a short time in his early years. He enjoyed catching up on the news, reading the newspaper, and listening to Paul Harvey. When his life joined with Beverly and her family in later years, he enjoyed many old and new activities. He continued to snowmobile from home and "North Camp" - Salisbury, was a member of The Salisbury Ridgerunners, took a few swings on the golf course, dabbled in fishing and hunting, enjoyed boating and learned to swim at camp on Canadarago Lake, as well as having a cold beer while grilling, sitting around the campfire, and listening to country music. He cheered for Syracuse Orange Basketball and the Dallas Cowboys, win or lose. Jim was active in his community. He was a member of Herkimer Elks Lodge No. 1439 BPOE and a member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 40 Free and Accepted Masons in Ilion. He was due to receive his 40-year Pin with the Masons in April 2025. He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church, Herkimer. A quiet man, with a warm smile, and subtle sense of humor, Jim created memories with all those he loved. Jim is survived by his wife Beverly; two daughters: Kelly Myszkowski and her husband David of Little Falls, Karla Stallworth and her husband Tai of Warwick, Rhode Island; a stepson Harry Vickers and his wife Beth of Herkimer; two step-grandsons: Andrew Vickers, his wife Noelle and daughter Ava Thorp of Caledonia, and Kevin Vickers of Herkimer. A funeral service will be held at a later time to be announced. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer.