James Willard Whitmore

James W. Whitmore
Hornell
James Willard Whitmore “J.W.”, 79 of Dineen Road, passed Friday (Aug. 16, 2024) at home as he wanted after years of surviving “fighting” many health conditions since retirement.
Born in Hornell, April 6, 1945, he was the son of Willard and Laura Burger Whitmore. He had resided in this area all his life and was a graduate of Hornell High School. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and talked a lot about his time in Germany.
Jim had been employed as a plant operator at the Hornell Water Pollution Control Plant for 35 years.
Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, and took pride in teaching other young people how to hunt and fish. He could talk hours about hunting and fishing to family and friends. Especially about being a trophy hunter and the jigs for fishing he made from deer hair. Being outdoors never was an issue for him because mosquitoes didn’t like him and his skin didn’t burn “He has Indian blood”.
He was a member of the Hornell American Legion Post, the Hornell Association, and Hornell AMVETS.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Arlene Bennett, his brother, Walter Whitmore as well as his Mother and Father-In-Law, Ludwig and Elsie Lantz.
Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years Ruth Lantz Whitmore of Hornell, his daughter, Diana (Jeremy) Whitmore of Hornell, his sons, James Whitmore and Zachary (Shelby) Whitmore both of Canisteo, his sisters, Carol Adams of Williamson, NY and Marcia (Paul)Andres of Avon, his brother, Laurel Whitmore of Texas, his Grandchildren, Sabra (Dan) Fisher, Christian Zschoche, McKyle Zschoche, Collin (Hannah) Whitmore, Aubrie (Mason) Whitmore, Joliana Whitmore, McKenzie Whitmore and Axton Whitmore, Great Grandchildren, Aeriel Fisher, Jasmine Fisher and Emaree Fisher, his Sisters & Brothers -in-Law, Elsie Houghtaling, Mary (John) Brown, Jacob Lantz and David (Cheryl) Lantz. Also his special caregiver and friend, “KiKi”, several nieces and nephews.
Jim was like a legend in Hornell. If you didn’t know him you probably heard of him. He liked to call himself the “Mayor of Bellehaven”. So many stories of a man who always gave of himself without a second thought. It never took long before he made a friend out of a stranger. He’d say, “We can’t change someone but except them for who they are”. Jim will forever leave his mark on family and friends.
“Good and you”- JW
You will forever be.....
The Man,
The Myth,
The Legend,
Her Husband,
The Love of Her Life,
Our Family's Protector,
Our Warrior and Fighter,
Our Hero,
Our Mentor,
Our Teacher,
Our Guide to Life and Nature,
Our Storyteller,
Our Coach,
Our Biggest Fan,
Our Best Friend,
Our Comedian,
Our Laugh, Smile, and Sense of Humor
Everyone's Fond Memory and Story.
You Are Our Father.
We Will Love You Always Dad

The family will receive friends on Friday (Aug. 23. 2024) from 6 PM until 8 PM at the Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street in Hornell where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1 PM with Rev, Dudley Jenkins officiating, Burial with Military Honors will be at Hornell Rural Cemetery.
Friends wishing to remember Jim, are asked to consider a contribution to Venison Donation Coalition WCNY Pantry Project (venison donation.com) to provide venison for those in need and sponsor youth fishing derby’s.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.