Birth date: Jun 5, 1946 Death date: Sep 11, 2021
On September 11th, 2021, James Edward Strangfeld finished his last day with us and is now on to do other things. Jim, according to those who knew him, was one of the warmest, kindest people you would ever meet. Son of Richard and Read Obituary
Diane:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim was a very warm an friendly man. My prayers go out to you an your family.
Julie wood
Many of my fondest memories of my many years in banking include Jim. He was through the years my mentor, boss, teacher, comic relief and friend. Hearing of his passing today has left such an empty feeling in my being. Jim touched so many lives, and left them all the better for having known him. So saddened that his warm smile which always brightened my day when he would stop by the bank is gone, however I am comforted he is free of the struggle he has had. My heart is also heavy for the loss to his family, may the wonderful memories give them comfort. Peace, love and blessings to all who have had the pleasure of knowing Jim, I know I will always cherish the memories.
Tina Morgan
I have had the honor and joy of growing up with Jim. He was a gentle soul, honest and true. My older sister Peggy Maki was Jim’s classmate throughout school while living in Ramsey, NJ. I was the tagalong pesky little brother by a couple of years. Jim’s dad Rip was a fishing buddy with my father Big Al. In their search of North America for the best fishing lake, they stumbled across Newboro Lake in Ontario. It was heaven; located at the center of the lake was Brothers Island Lodge and Cottages resort. We took Cottages 7 & 8. Clearly the best fishing water, off the point. After a 12 hour car caravan from Ramsey we would tumble out of the giant sedans of that time, strap on life vests, and were transported by a beautiful wooden cruiser Penn Yan.
One year in the early 1960’s, the general manager of the resort - “Butsy” by name - resorted to taking the summer’s seasonal deposits and skedaddling south to the the US (Pennsylvania) to buy a bowling alley. But Rip and Big Al were not fishing buddies for naught. They each proceeded to buy their own islands: Rabbit and Sturgeon Islands! Things were different then! It was here that we all learned how to swim, sail, fish, canoe, outboard motors and boats, where we would gather around fireplaces at night and listen to the laughing loons & the old lake guides stop in for a nip and a tale, while we roasted marshmallows. The highlights however were always the last night fireworks. Older brother Rich, with hose ready and lots of advice and warnings, could barely contain Jim’s glee. He would gather his small, but carefully picked, treasures and run out on the edge of the dock and announce his every Roman candle to be: The best in class. He loved watching the Roman candle shooting stars, as did we all; watching the graceful arc of brilliant light, listening to the sizzle as it returned to earth and the darkened water, the glowing after-light still shone in his eyes.
Those years made us into who we are. There was the endless philosophical and sometimes verbal fisticuffs over the “proper” method of fishing – live bait vs. plug and spoon – that taught us that although we may have very hardened positions on these issues, it was taken in good humor and we all would come together for dinner no matter whose catch of the day was the biggest. Jim was always an optimist, with a smile to calm snarling dogs, he knew what it was like to lose the “big one which got away”, yet love and support someone else’s prize. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He did not look to make hard choices easy, but rather successful. He looked for the solution that was fair, no zero-sum games here. I have always respected Jim because he wasn’t cautious but thoughtful, wasn’t selfish but generous, wasn’t hard to know, but was every bit of the warmth, smiles, sense of humor and sensitive love for his fellow man.
The loons are not laughing tonight but are rather issuing songs of lamentation – there is a great empty void in the sky of the darkened waters of the lake tonite. Although his brilliant star has passed to the west, the arc of his wonderful life and family still shine bright in our memories of James Edward Strangfeld. Jim has gone ahead to scout out new fishing spots; he is simply getting heaven ready for those who follow him.
Chip Maki with love, tears and prayer for all
Dear Diane, my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I'll always remember Jim's welcoming smiles. Carol Repetto
