James Benvenuto

James Benvenuto Potsdam, NY - (Potsdam, NY) James Vincent Benvenuto, Jr (78) died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Born in Rochester, NY, he made his home in Northern New York starting in the 1970s.

Jim ("Captain" to his grandchildren) was a renaissance man, for whom problems offered the opportunity to creatively problem solve. Flexible and diplomatic, he liked to come and go as he pleased. He loved to wander and take the road less travelled. He sought words of wisdom and shared them through printing and personal sayings. Jim approached challenges with integrity and an artist's perspective, whether as a letterpress printer or building mover. His career spanned multiple disciplines from teaching art, print making, graphic design, building demolition, construction, and structural repair. As an artist, he prided himself on collaboration with others - including many treasured friends. He completed work with an eye for precision, beauty, and quality.

Jim was proud of his accomplishments yet unpretentious, taking pleasure in the knowledge he could impart to others. A natural teacher, he was generous with his time and expertise. Jim was a music aficionado with a passion for deep listening in a wide range of genres. Jim had no casual hobbies but instead enthusiastically learned about all aspects of motorcycling, boating, fishing, traveling, and bread making - both technically and philosophically. His precision trailer handling was unmatched.

His daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren gave him tremendous joy and took pride in their independence and compassion, the lives they are creating, and the positive impact they have on others. Jim was deeply appreciative of the life he and Jean built and was happy to share his good fortune. He consistently welcomed others to his table to share stories, music, passions, and lessons learned - all with a good laugh. Incredibly friendly and an excellent conversationalist, Jim made friends and created memories wherever he went. Jim felt his life was full and complete; he had no regrets.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean, daughters Anna (Jeffrey, Silas, and Adelaide Taylor of Cornwall, VT), Lena (Peter Harrison, Mathias and Celia Benvenuto of Middle Grove, NY), Kelly (Ian and Ronan Campbell of Plymouth, MA), and Marcy O'Neill (Mick, Saorise James of St. Louis Park, MN), nephew Gabriel Benvenuto (CA), niece Cybele Benvenuto (Jeff Clark, FL) as well as extended family in Rochester and beyond. He cultivated and maintained many friendships over the course of his life. Jim is predeceased by his parents James and Rose (Piazza) Benvenuto and his brother, Jack Benvenuto.

In honor of Jim, remember that there IS a right way to do things ("Not like that, like this."). Asking good questions helps.

A celebration of life will take place on October 25th at the Presbyterian Church in Potsdam, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jim's honor to WWOZ, North Country Public Radio, Doctors Without Borders, or The National Motorcycle Safety Fund.