James R. Lensing

1927 - 2024

James R. Lensing
October 8, 1927 - October 28, 2024
James R. Lensing, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully at his longtime home in Greenwich, CT on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the age of 97.
Jim was predeceased by his cherished wife of 60 years, Janet Harty Lensing, and an infant son, James Thomas Lensing. He is survived by five loving children, John C. Lensing of Toronto, OH; Joan K. Lensing of Greenwich; Janet A. Lensing of Greenwich; James H. Lensing (Brenda) of Mansfield, TX, and Jenny E. Lensing (Steven) of Canastota, NY. Jim was an immensely proud grandfather of six, Matthew (Julia), Nicholas (Molly), Peter, Maggie, Luke, and Joshua; and great-grandfather of eight, Maddie, Brooke, Liam, Agatha, Felicity, Anastasia, Nicholas, Jr., and Elias. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John E. Harty; two nephews, Thomas M. Lensing (Becky) and Charles J. Harty III (Regina); cousin John H. West; and their extended families.
Jim was born on October 8, 1927, in Rochester, NY to parents John Bernard and Henrietta Lillian (Free) Lensing. He was the youngest of four children and adored his older siblings, Thomas F. (Kay), John C. "Jack", and Lillian N. Lensing. A proud military veteran, Jim served honorably in the U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy during and immediately following World War II. He attended Champlain College and graduated from St. Bonaventure University. Jim enjoyed a long and successful career in sales, beginning with the Haloid Company of Rochester, during the initial years when it began selling and distributing the first Xerox machines. As the technology and sales took off, he was given the opportunity by the company, known then as Haloid Xerox, to take on the New York City financial district territory. He and his new bride Janet moved to Greenwich in 1957, where he continued his career with Xerox, and they raised their five children. After leaving Xerox, Jim sold residential real estate in Greenwich for many years before retiring.
Jim's "go bag" was always packed, and his sense of adventure and exploration were infectious. He was as excited to take long trips by car with Janet, crisscrossing the United States numerous times, as he was to travel to Europe and explore Paris by foot. Jim was a voracious reader, dedicated walker, and friend to everyone he met. He was genuinely interested in people and their stories and was legendary for striking up conversations in any circumstance and turning complete strangers into new friends. Jim will be missed for his warmth, humor, and individualism. Vital and active to the last, he loved shocking people with his actual age. May we all live our lives with the same curiosity, joy, and fullness as he did.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Timothy's Chapel, 1034 North Street, Greenwich. A private burial service will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis Breadline at stfrancisbreadline.org or St. Francis Bread for the Poor, Inc. (144 W. 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001).
Arrangements are under the care of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT (203) 359-9999. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com.