James "Jimmy" Wester Sr.

STILLWATER - James "Jimmy"� Wester Sr., 62, of Stillwater, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Christine, by his side Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014.

Born May 16, 1951, in Paterson, Jimmy lived in Lake Hopatcong for 12 years before moving to Stillwater in 1994. There he was the owner and operator of Diamond Lil Construction. Before starting his business, Jimmy was a splicing technician with NJ Bell from 1969 to 1989.

He will be missed dearly by his beloved wife, Christine (Konarski); his furkids, Bucky and Annie; his mother-in-law, Helen Konarski; his children of the heart, Thomas and Crystal Dutzi and Lauren Polinski; his sister and her husband, Susan and Nick Gannis; Robert and Joan Konarski; Karen Venturini; Cynthia and James Lotterman; Kevin and Kaytee Konarski; Adam and Allison Venturini; Nicole and Kaylee Lotterman; Joseph and Daniel Polinski; several other nieces and nephews; and cherished friends. He was a father to James Jr., Stacie and Lucette and grandfather to eight grandchildren.

Jimmy was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, the Hunterdon County and National HOG Chapters, the American Motorcycle Association and Motorcycle Riders Club of America. He enjoyed NASCAR, golf, baking, motorcycle journeys, and spending time with family and friends.

Jimmy will be remembered for his sense of humor, honesty and his giving and helping hands. In 1982, with disregard for his personal safety, he was credited with assisting in saving a life. He was awarded the Theodore N. Vail Bronze Medal of Honor and IBEW Life Saving Award for his courageous action. Jimmy was listed on the National Marrow Donor Program Registry. He was an avid platelet and blood products donor, 115 donations, until he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer January 2013. In addition, it was Jimmy's desire for his body to be donated. This loving and generous man will be used for research and the advancement of funeral service education.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and a service will start at 4.

To honor Jimmy's care and compassion for animals, memorial donations may be mailed to: Rescue Ranch, PO Box 5998, Statesville, NC, 28687, or on the web go to: rescue ranch.com and click on donate now. You will see Jimmy's name.

Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.