James R. Wenslow, 86

Wellsville, NY - James R. Wenslow, 86, of East State Street, passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at home surrounded by family. He was born at home in Nansen, PA on September 24, 1934 the son of the late Frank and Ida Mae (Rowlands) Wenslow. In 1958 he married the late Anne Braun of Rochester, with whom he had his first three children. After Anne and Jim went their separate ways, he married the former Ginny (Vossler) Adams on June 12, 1981, from whom he gained three children, and had two more.

Jim was raised in Leaper, and Kane, PA and was a 1952 graduate of Kane High School. Upon graduating he attended Mansfield University pursuing a double major in Math and Science while also working as a full time head cook. After graduating from Mansfield he continued his culinary career for several years before he began teaching Math. He taught at several schools in Western New York including Troopsburg, Angelica, and Alfred State - where he worked from 1959 to 1997, retiring after 38 years. During his time at Alfred he became known as a loose-cannon who fiercely advocated for students and mentored thousands as “Teach babe”. During his tenure at Alfred he earned his Masters from the University of Pittsburgh and SUNY Geneseo, and eventually was one credit shy of earning his PhD.

Outside of his career, Jim was a proud family man who dearly loved all of his children and grandchildren. He was also involved with several organizations such as the Boy Scouts, and Hornell Kiwanis club (for whom he cooked), he was a past member Bethel Lutheran Church of Portville, and a founding member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, he loved reading, gardening, poetry and playing chess.

He is survived by: his wife of forty years, Ginny; seven children, Michael (Jennifer Evans) Wenslow of Los Angeles, Cynthia (Stuart Yaniger) Wenslow of Gilbert, AZ, Amy (Jeff) Wenslow-Fretz of Pasadena, CA, Erik (Tracey) Adams, Valerie (Clay) Steadman, Richard (Wendy) Wenslow, and Frank (Sara) Wenslow, all of Wellsville; eighteen grandchildren, Jarrick, Liz, Joe, Katie, Buddy, Nate, Zeruviah, Lillian, Cordelia, Isabella, Gabriel, D’Artagnan, Zoey, Kirsten, Brooke, Christian, Rilea, and Nicki; a brother, Don (Nance) Wenslow of Blossburg, PA; a sister, Alberta (John) Campbell of Kansas City; a daughter-in-law, Linda Adams-Hilliard; a brother-in-law Dale Vossler; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by: an infant daughter, Susan Wenslow; a son, Dale Adams; his first wife, Anne Wenslow; and a brother, Ronald Wenslow.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 11am to 1 pm at the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 4229 Fassett Lane, Wellsville, NY 14895. A funeral service will follow at 1 PM with the Reverend Bill Wilson presiding. Please consider memorial donations to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Wellsville, or to a charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.