Gerald James “Jim” Dengler

James was born in Dunkirk to Gerald “Jiggs” Dengler and Margaret (Cobb) Dengler on Oct. 23, 1934. He is predeceased by siblings Kemis (Lois) Dengler, and Margaret (Peg Dengler) Hawley. The Dengler family moved to Fredonia in 1944 where Gerald opened Dengler Chevrolet at 212-222 E. Main St. James graduated from Fredonia High School in 1952, and went on to serve as an Army medic during the Korean War stationed in Munich. After an honorable discharge, he attended college at Oklahoma A&M University on the G.I. Bill, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. In 1966 James assumed the position of president of Dengler Chevrolet from his father Gerald Dengler. James successfully operated the business until he retired in 1987.

He met the love of his life, Joyce Hart, and they were married on April 22, 1961. Although his hands were full running a business and raising four children, he maintained his faith and was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s RC Church in Fredonia, where he also served as a weekly usher.

James served as an active member of the Fredonia Rotary Club, alongside his father, and later his daughter. He served as a member of the board of M&T Bank in Fredonia. He sponsored the Fredonia Dengler Babe Ruth team, the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show at the Dunkirk Fairgrounds, and donated cars for the Driver’s Education Program at Fredonia High School. He also helped his wife (and scoutmaster) with Boy Scout activities. After retiring, he served as a literacy volunteer, working with local residents and inmates at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in Brocton, N.Y. In 1988 he received the Literacy Volunteers Volunteer of the Year Award.

James deeply valued his friendships and met daily for coffee and a laugh with lifelong friends and neighbors. Among many things, Jim is remembered for his optimism, his sometimes outrageous sense of humor, and his love of sweets. James loved nicknames and was also known by friends and family as Diamond Jim, The General, and the Jersey City Jewel, depending on the occasion. Although he could be very outgoing in his public life, he enjoyed a quiet home life with his family and was a lifelong avid reader.

Visitation will be April 4, 2025 at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home from 4-7 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 1032 Central Ave., Dunkirk on April 5, 2025 at 11 am.

On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneral home.com Arrangements by David J. Dengler, Larson-Timko Funeral Home. His family and friends will miss him dearly.