James R. Mele of Pittsford, NY passed away on May 26, 2020 at age 70. Jim was predeceased by his father Anthony and mother Mary. He is survived by his children, Rachel (Steve) Schubert, Brian (Sandy) Mele and Brad Mele; siblings, Charlene Kimpal, John (Janet) Mele, half sibling Jacquie (Duke) Jackson; nephew, Jesse Mele; former spouse, Sue Mele; and grandchildren, Tyler, Kyle, Ryan, Raina and Ryker.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours out on the boat fishing or out in the woods hunting. He truly enjoyed nature. In his early years, Jim worked on cars and had his own automotive shop with his brother John. Later, he became a general contractor and was meticulous with his work. There wasn’t anything Jim couldn’t fix and he was good at everything he did. If he wasn’t hunting or fishing, you could usually find him behind a grill, cooking for the family, and laughing with a beer in his hand. Jim, Jimmy, Dad or Papa Jim – however you knew him was to love him, and he will be incredibly missed.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral service. A family gathering will be held at a later time, to return him back to nature. To honor Jim, we simply ask, at some time, you raise a glass and toast to your fondest memory of him. That would make him smile.
George and I are so very sorry to hear this. Our sympathy goes out to all of you. Great guy with a great smile.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers.
My condolences go out to his family. I knew Jim for over 30
years. He was absolutely the best contractor/ handyman I have ever worked with. He always had a smile on his face .
RIP
Thoughts & Prayers for all!
With Love,
Bill (Rochester Bassmaster) & Linette Henry
My condolences go out to all of Jim’s family. Jim and I grew up as neighbors on DeWitt Rd.Webster . I’ll always have fond memories of all the fun we had as kids.
Jim lived down the street from us when we lived at hunters run, he would stop over talk about fishing, yes due some work for our family, when done we would sit by the pool and yes— still talk about fishing.. My prayers to the family, he was a special person. God Bless you Jim, catch a 10 ponder in heaven, you are up there with some great people from the Rochester Bassmaster.
About 40 years ago my mom (Elaine) struck it rich when she found a talented, dependable, honest mechanic in East Rochester. For years, Jim serviced her car and mine. He inspected a few of the cars that I purchased in my 20’s before I bought them. He also refinished my attic in the first house I ever bought. He was soooo incredibly talented in so many things—hunting, fishing, building, repairing. For the past 40 years my mom and I have been repaying him in Christmas cookies. He loved getting those thick, soft cookies every Christmas. I didn’t know this year would be the last time I would drop them off to him, leaving them on the bottom steps of his apartment. He used to save up the cookie tins and give them back to us just to be sure we would re-fill them again for him. My mom Elaine Pragle and I were BIG fans of Jim Mele. We are really going to miss him.
As I sit with a tear in my eye and an ache in my heart, I realize my best friend of 40 years is gone. Gone of body but never of spirit, he has left us with so many memories of good times. RIP my friend.
Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the entire family.
My deepest sympathy to the family. I remember him as a little boy, the family would come down to the farm almost every Sunday. My heart aches for as one of the cousins I guess he was at our home the most. May God take him in his arm and welcome him home. RIP cousin we will see each other again Antoinette Mele-Brewer
My condolences to Jim’s entire family. I too remember the good times on the Mele farm, with Grandma, Grandpa, and all the other cousins. I remember Jim’s dad, uncle Tony, playing Santa at Christmas. Those were such good times, Wish that Jim had been able to come to the family reunions, but we will all reunite someday in Heaven.
Frank Perry Cousin -Groveland CA
My best to Jimmy’s family and friends. Our sincere condolences. Jimmy would come to my home in the southern tier of New York and stay for a couple weeks at a time. He was always fun to have around, we would fish in the river, shot target practice, ride bikes, go on hikes and just enjoy each other’s friendship. He would help my brother and I to finish our daily chores, so we could start another daily adventure. 60 years have passed and I still remember his 6000 watt smile and his energy.
In reading the nice comments offered by friends and family, it brought back nice memories of our youth, a simpler time.
With heart felt sympathy to Jim’s family, Sue and I send our sincere condolences.
Losing Jim who for over 50 years shared and taught me fishing and hunting is a sincere heart ache. With over 30 fly in fishing trips to Canada and hunting at the Mele Canadice camp each year for a week of great food and comraderie with Jim’s Brother John and son Brian were always special memories to be cherished.
Jim could make any meal gourmet …….never to forget his linguini and clams and famous “shack bread”. And the fresh venison liver with bacon and onions at camp Mele after a successful hunt.
Memories with Jim, family and friends will always be cherished…….RIP my unforgettable Jim!
Ralph
My heart felt condolences and sympathy to Jim’s family and friends. My time with Jim was relatively short but so special. RIP my Friend.
I am so sorry for your loss he was nice man
Just saw this now and I am heartbroken. I knew Jim for 35 years. He was the best contractor ever. Meticulous in his work, devoted to his friends and family. He remodeled two bathrooms and kitchen for me as well as countless other jobs. I never hired anyone else. After he retired I would call him for advice and he was always happy to give it. I know he was sick but there was always a lightheartedness in his voice. This is truly a great loss to the world. My condolences to his family.
Miss you Jim. Thanks for everything. May you rest in peace.