James J. "Jim" Herlan

James J. "Jim" Herlan obituary

James J. "Jim" Herlan

James Herlan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cremation Service of Western New York - Rochester on Jan. 8, 2026.
James "Jim" J. Herlan

Passed away peacefully at home on January 7th, 2026, at age 90.

Survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine B. Herlan; children David "Kim" (Pam) Herlan, Eric (Jane) Herlan, Jennifer (Eric) Wiest, Julie Alberlan and Rebecca (Aaron Grilly) Herlan; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

Jim attended Nichols School in Buffalo and graduated from Yale in 1957 and went on to teach at Nichols School in his early teaching years. He subsequently spent 30 years as a Professor of French & Canadian Studies at University of Maine at Orono.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring; details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Nichols School Scholarship Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Herlan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 12, 2026

Hans C. Herlan posted to the memorial.

January 9, 2026

Anne Osborne posted to the memorial.

January 9, 2026

Andy Alberlan posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Hans C. Herlan

January 12, 2026

So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing... he was a long distance contact of ours for many, many years. Having shared only distant fond memories due to the physical distance between us.

Sending love and distant hugs, and sincere condolences from your Virginia Cousins.

Hans Herlan & Timmy Kisling

PHOTOS SHARED with my Dad,
Laurice Carl Herlan.
https://sites.google.com/view/lauricecarlherlan

[email protected]

Anne Osborne

January 9, 2026

So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He had a rich, wonderful and long life!
I remember sitting for Kim and Eric back in the late 1960s, early 70s...we've known each other, albeit over great distances, for so many years... from Jones Pond in Gouldsboro to Winter Harbor to UMO,
My sincere condolences to the family.

Andy Alberlan

January 9, 2026

Jim, Thank you for your kind and Gentle nature. Your wit and humor could light up a room. You will surely be missed by all. Andy

Gabriella Albanese

January 9, 2026

Elaine,Jennifer Julie and Rebecca,What a pleasure and privilege to have known Jim.Im so sorry to hear of his passing.My condolences to you and all the children grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gabriella Albanese

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Cremation Service of Western New York - Rochester

2309 Culver Road, Rochester, NY 14609

Make a Donation
in James Herlan's name

How to support James's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor James Herlan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Herlan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 12, 2026

Hans C. Herlan posted to the memorial.

January 9, 2026

Anne Osborne posted to the memorial.

January 9, 2026

Andy Alberlan posted to the memorial.