James F. Wachter

James F. Wachter

WEBSTER/HORNELL – Jim Wachter was born into this life November 5, 1937 and born into eternal life Wednesday (Sept. 11, 2024) after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was an entrepreneur from childhood to adulthood culminating in the establishment of Hornell Pest Control and Jade Lawn. The successful businesses spread across the Southern Tier.

Jim was also a brakeman on the Erie Railroad which later became Conrail and then Norfolk and Southern Railroad. He worked until his retirement.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard. He so enjoyed serving our country.

Even with all this work, Jim found time to enjoy golfing and the many tournaments at Twin Hickory–playing with his partner, Seb Nardecchia.

Jim was a family man so proud of his children, Sal who took over the businesses, Jimmy who entertained so many, and Cherie Ann who was a ray of sunshine to everyone.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Lillian Wachter of Hornell; his sister, Eleanor (Dan) Eister of Bath, NY and brother, George (Edith) Wachter of Huntsville, Alabama.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Teresa; sons, Salvatore (Anna) Wachter of Hornell, Jimmy Wachter and Geoff Ameele of Syracuse, NY and daughter, Cherie Ann (David) Laudisi of Webster, NY.  Also, grandchildren, Heather (Justin) Edlind of Marion, NY, Daniel Laudisi of Syracuse, NY, Nick Laudisi of Webster, NY Justin and Matthew Wachter of Hornell and great grandchildren, Jack, Lily and Mara Edlind and Norma Jean Wachter.  He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, three sisters-in-law, and brother-in-law.

Calling hours are 5-8 p.m. Friday (Sept. 27, 2024) at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 28, 2024). Military honors will follow at the church.

The United States flag and the Army flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognition of Jim’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to UR Medicine Home Care, 2180 Empire Blvd., Webster, NY 14580-2098 in his memory. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral homes and church.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Jim’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Jim are welcome at www.bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.