James F. Wildey

Ilion - James "Jim" F. Wildey, 70, passed away on June 2, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer, in the comfort of his home with his family by his side.Jim was born on May 24, 1954, in Ilion to the late Katherine and James (LaPoint) Wildey. He was a proud lifelong resident of Ilion. On April 15, 1972, he married Priscilla Reed at the Ilion United Methodist Church, a blessed union that they shared for 52 years.James was a dedicated and knowledgeable millwright worker and skilled craftsman at Remington Arms for 37 years, where he made many lifelong friends. He retired in 2010.A devoted family man, Jim's greatest achievement in life was being a loving husband and father to his wife and their three children. He loved nothing more than spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In March of 2023, he lost his beloved daughter Jennifer, which left a tremendous hole in his heart.Jim was an active member of the Ilion Marine Corps League. His generosity and camaraderie were well known, and he was named 2023 Member of the Year. Jim also enjoyed singing country music for his family and friends.He was blessed with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom he adored.He is survived by his devoted and loving wife Priscilla, who remained by his side throughout his illness, caring for him; his daughter Jodi Gay and her husband Jason of Ilion; his son Joshua Wildey and his wife Jessica of Ilion; grandchildren Nathan Tabor, Megan Church and her husband Cody, and Jakob Wildey; great-grandchildren Adalyn and Levi Tabor, and Leon and Emilia Church; sisters Mary Tubia and her husband Jim, Cathy Ingraham, and Lisa Stefanec; his Aunt Helen Scanlon; Uncles Richard and Robert LaPoint; Aunt Pearl Zagurski; sisters-in-law Debbie Donahue and Dianne Reed; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Jennifer Wildey; his brother Jeffrey Wildey; brother-in-law Ronald Reed; sisters-in-law Joan Crookes and Dale Ritton; and mother-in-law Betty Reed.The family wishes to thank Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown and the Ilion Fire Department for their professionalism and assistance during Jim's illness.Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. A service will be held at the conclusion of visitation.To leave condolences for Jim's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com .