James R. "Butch" Wester

Madison - James Richard (Butch) Wester Jr., 78, a lifelong resident of the area, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022. He was born in Utica, on June 4, 1944; the son of the late Dorothy Bentley Wester and James Richard Wester Sr.. Butch graduated from Madison Central School and continued his education, graduating from SUNY Cobleskill. He was raised on his family’s farm, which instilled a strong work ethic. The majority of his life he worked in the construction field, most of which as Superintendent at the former Eastern Rock Products of Oriskany Falls. Butch was once active as a member of the Oriskany Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Sons of the Legion Kelley-Phillips Post #569, the Cassety Hollow Rod & Gun Club, and the Oriskany Falls Alliance Masonic Lodge #1097. Through the years, Butch enjoyed summers on Lake Moraine, hunting, NASCAR, and mowing lawns. He entered a 26-year marriage with Judith Ann Oliver on October 14, 1967. Anyone that knew Butch soon learned that his mouth and heart were bigger than his body. Work hard and play hard would be a great expression of Butch’s life. He had the inability to sit still for any length of time. Butch always insisted on getting it done and getting it done right the first time. But always allowing for fun after the work was done, usually with the latest “toys” available.

Surviving are daughters; Tracy (Steve) Kulyk and Jody Barnes (Roger Brouillette); his son James N. (Natalie) Wester; grandchildren, Stephanie and Michelle Kulyk, Brianne and Brent Barnes; his sister Susan (Roger) Krol. Butch leaves behind his dear friend Marie Jipson, brother-in-law Barry, nieces Kara and Meaghan, nephew Timothy, and friends close to his heart.

Butch was predeceased by his parents James Sr., and Dorothy; and his sister, Karan Halloran. Butch’s family extends a special thank you to many friends for the support and love given to Butch throughout his life, especially his Hill Road neighbors.

In keeping with Butch’s wishes, funeral services will be private. Interment will be made in his family’s plot at Green Lawn Cemetery, New Hartford. There will be a public celebration of Butch’s Life to be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 1-3 PM, at the Kelley-Phillips American Legion Post #569, Oriskany Falls, all are invited to attend. Butch and his family’s care have been entrusted to the care of Jeffrey T. Paul, Director of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. To offer condolences or share a memory, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations in Butch’s memory to the Oriskany Falls Volunteer Fire Department; P.O. Box 582, Oriskany Falls NY 

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