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James P. Autenrith
James P. Autenrith
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Born in New Berlin on October 1, 1923, James was the son of the late William and Mildred Autenrith. He was raised in Newport and graduated from West Canada Valley Central School. He served in World War II as a chaplain's assistant in Mannheim, Germany and he was assigned to play the organ in Heidelberg at the funeral of General George S. Patton.
Professor Autenrith held a distinguished 46 year career including teaching at Michigan State University and at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. He also served as church organist in Gloversville, Utica, and Auburn as well as Battle Creek and East Lansing, Michigan. Jim was organist and choir director at the Potsdam United Methodist Church for 35 years and played many organ recitals during his career. His memberships include the American Guild of Organists, Organ Historical Society, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the Potsdam AMVET Post. Mr. Autenrith was a member of the First Baptist Church of Newport.
Besides his wife of 68 years, Audrey, he is survived by two sisters, Joan Stack of Boynton Beach, FL and Betsy Newman of Newport; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
In accordance with Jim's wishes, a private graveside service will take place at Bayside Cemetery, Potsdam, at the convenience of his family. There will be no calling hours. Military honors will be conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
Those who wish to celebrate his memory may make a gift to the James Autenrith Scholarship at The Crane School of Music, c/o Potsdam College Foundation, 44 Pierrepont Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676 or by visiting potsdam.edu/give.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of James P. Autenrith, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Fred Kersten
October 15, 2021
My Fond Memories of James Autenrith-A Wonderful Teacher
Jim Autenrith was one of the most wonderful organists who performed on this instrument. His registrations complemented the qualities on any instrument he performed on, and his tasteful interpretations of compositions were exciting and always provided the listener with a valid and musical performance of the score. After his recital, during my Sophomore year, I could not sleep all night because it was so exciting!! But his musical dexterity as a musician (he was one of the best pianists at Crane) was only a start. He was a wonderful teacher. He cared about his students not only as musicians but also as people. As a student I knew I always had a person to talk to if I had a problem and knew I would get support and honest and valuable advice.
As a student he asked me to be his substitute at the Potsdam United Methodist Church. This was such a thrilling opportunity because it was my first service as a newly declared organ major! To be asked to play at his church where many of my teachers were in the choir, and, receiving his confidence was one of the most supporting events as a person. This was one of the hallmark opportunities during my undergraduate training and I thank him so much for providing me an opportunity to play and learn my trade under his super guidance. Jim had many years as a professional church organist and his dedication to the church music profession was so valuable as he developed a summer workshop for church musicians which was totally valuable and helpful.
Jim´s students always received such a wonderful feeling of his support and personal dedication from he and his wonderful wife Audrey as they continued their encouragement and support outside of the classroom. He provided wonderful invitations to their house for after-class gatherings where we became identities as people and not just students. There was always a caring feeling when you came to their house. You felt worthwhile and valuable as people. Jim and his wife provided many years of service at the United Methodist Church with wonderful music and assistance. He allowed me to practice there so many nights and I really developed a belonging to this wonderful organization and his supervision as a substitute organist.
My study with Mr. Autenrith-Jim--(to this day I always think of him of Mr. Autenrith because of my admiration and respect) has provided skills and musical thinking for me to the present. His teaching of phrasing, and musicianship keyboard styles are currently used in the keyboard electronic work I do each day and I always think of his advice and suggestions as I work on my present compositions. Thank you, Mr. Jim Autenrith for your super support as a teacher, musician, organist and friend. .
When I was in the military I fell and hurt my knee and had to spend a month in the hospital. During our second mail call I received a letter from Jim, which was a wonderful cheer up and so motivational at a time I needed it the most. I was a person to him and not just a former student! Thank you Mr. Autenrith (Jim) for so much wonderful support, communications, advice and friendship over fifty-one years of communication! Thank you for your wonderful contributions to music, our society, and the many people who you have supported and helped.
I believe that God is so lucky to be receiving a wonderful organist to be a part of heavenly ensembles and I will look forward to hearing him as he performs for all to hear in the future!!!
Fred Kersten
http://fredkersten.com
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Sondra Goldsmith Proctor
September 25, 2021
David Van Epps and I send our sincerest sympathy to you, Audrey. Jim was a wonderfully welcoming, gracious and kind gentleman. His twinkling eyes and smile, coupled with his laugh are etched in our memory. Every time that I play French recordings, I will think of him. Our love and hugs are with you and the entire family.
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