James A. Waltemath

James A. Waltemath, born December 20, 1959, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 27, 2026, in Sutton, West Virginia, with his brother by his side.
Raised in Wisconsin, Jim later spent time in Woodward, Oklahoma before settling in Naples in 1986, where he founded Jim’s Automotive. The shop quickly became his second home, a place where many remember him working on engines, tinkering with his Swamp Buggy truck, riding his beloved Husqvarna motorcycle, or talking about his classic AMC  Rambler Scrambler with its red, white, and blue paint. Jim never drove an ordinary vehicle.
An outdoorsman at heart, he enjoyed riding four-wheelers across the Everglades prairie and camping. He was rarely idle —often found with a pocketknife in hand, working on a puzzle, or reading a book — always curious and eager to learn something new.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Waltemath and Florence Waltemath. He is survived by his two children, James Waltemath and Melissa Waltemath; his brother, Leonard Waltemath; his sister, Lorrene Polaski; and his nieces, Crystal and Amber, and six grandchildren.
Jim will be remembered by his family and those who knew him. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, March 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles, 4111 Green Blvd., in Golden Gate.