James R. Wagoner

It is with heavy hearts, but plenty of smiles, that we share the passing of James "Jim" R. Wagoner, 77, of Rotterdam, who peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

A graduate of SUNY Delhi, Jim dedicated 30 years to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as a Senior Supervisor. Outside of work, he was happiest with a fishing pole in hand, in a hunting blind, tending his vegetable and flower gardens, picking berries, or spending time with the people he loved most. As a proud member of the Woodlawn Sportsmen’s Club, he found peace in the outdoors and joy in sharing those passions with others. Jim also loved a good game of pinochle, a cherished family tradition that has been passed down through generations. Whether he was playing the cards he was dealt or sharing laughs around the table, those games created memories that will continue to be part of the Wagoner family for years to come.

Jim was old school in the very best way. He believed a phone call was better than a text, handwritten notes beat emails, and dessert wasn't optional—it was a nightly tradition. Cookies were always welcome, and anyone who shared his sweet tooth knew there was always room for one more.

Jim was the protector of his family, a man with the patience of a saint, and someone who never stayed angry for long. He quietly helped anyone who needed a hand, asked for little in return, and made life better simply by showing up.

If you knew Jim, you knew there was a good chance he had exactly what you were looking for—somewhere. Whether it was an old bolt, a random bracket, or any spare part, his response was almost always, "I think I may have one of those." Finding it might take a little searching but somehow he had saved it "just in case."

He was predeceased by his parents, James E. and Ellen (Cook) Wagoner, and his siblings Joyce Anderson and Donald Wagoner.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Maria (Poloniak) Wagoner; his children, Michelle Rengert (Thomas), JoAnne Bogert (John), and James J. Wagoner (Shannon); his brother, Edward Wagoner (Sherry); his sister, Barbara Wilgocki (Stanley); and five grandchildren, Macy, Maven, Tyler, Eva, and Sara, who will forever cherish his love, guidance, and countless memories.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim's life on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Bond Funeral Home, 1614 Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Schenectady Memorial Park in Rotterdam.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Woodlawn Sportsmen’s Club Scholarship Fund, 3367 E. Lydius Street, Schenectady, NY 12303.

We'll miss the phone calls, the perfectly organized garage, the beautiful gardens, the fishing stories, the steady advice, and the nightly cookie ritual. Thank you, Jim, for showing us that the best lives are built with hard work, kindness, patience, and always keeping an extra part on the shelf—just in case.