James Westfall, Jr.

James H. Westfall, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 1, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital at the age of 90 following a three week battle with Covid-19.
Born June 6, 1930 to the late James H. and Margaret Rodeffer Westfall, he was predeceased by the love of his life, Nancy Rounds Westfall, in 2004.
James (Jim) is survived by his 3 children; Jamie Sanford (Larry), James J. Westfall (Tammy), and David Westfall (Gail Cribbs). Jim adored his 7 grandchildren; Hollie Sanford (fiance’ Zander Tasch), Geoffrey Sanford (fiance’ Amanda Parsons), Brian Sanford (Brittany), Chris Westfall (Ashley), Jennifer Shobe (Brandon), Kelly Westfall, and Kristen Rankin (William). Jim was also blessed with 9 great grandchildren; Tyler Woods; Cayden and Harper Hines; Maxon, Gavin, and Cabrey Sanford; Ty Tasch; and twins Ryder and Zoey Westfall. Also very special in Jim’s life were his nieces and nephews; Julie Romacki (Stephen), Krista Mersereau, Stephen Mersereau (Kathryn), and Bradford Mersereau (Margaret).
Jim was born in Washington, DC. His parents moved to Vestal in 1935 where the family built and operated Westfall’s Hardware and Dress Shop on Vestal’s “four corners”. He attended Vestal Central High School where he played basketball, played his trumpet in marching and jazz band, and graduated in 1947. Jim attended Harpur College (now SUNY Binghamton) and earned a degree in Business Administration. Joining the local US Naval reserve at age 17, he was called to active duty at age 20 and deployed on the USS Purdy, a destroyer headed for Korea. Jim served 3 years as a Radio Operator II and was awarded 4 medals for his service.
Returning to Vestal, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Nancy. They built a home on Castle Gardens Road, started their family, and he embraced his new career as a “master of hardware”. Westfall’s Hardware grew into a quintessential business, at the cornerstone of a growing and bustling Vestal in the 1950s. A classic and all encompassing hardware store with everything you would need for your home improvement or repair, or your leisure activities of hunting and fishing. Jim managed it all with integrity and grace, always making time to be a resource for anyone doing their own projects. Hard working, respected and well liked – a gentle man who embraced life with positivity, perseverance and faith.
James was a member of the Vestal United Methodist Church, a charter member and term president of the Vestal Kiwanis Club, a lifelong member of Vestal Elks Lodge 2508, a volunteer fireman for the Vestal Fire Department, and an active Vestal Sports Booster. Dad was an avid bowler, and loved the excitement of the horseraces and the casinos (a self-studied expert at the black jack tables!), but his greatest excitement was being with his family who adored him.
Jim defined what it was to be a good citizen and a devoted family man. He will be greatly missed by all of us for his love, support and counsel.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later time. Burial will be at Vestal Park Cemetery.
In honor of Jim, please consider donating and supporting your local small businesses who have suffered greatly during this pandemic.