WESTFIELD – James R. Sanderson, 88, of Westfield, NY passed away peacefully Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the Chautauqua County Nursing and Rehab Facility following a short illness.

Jim was born June 30, 1938, in Westfield, NY, a son to Russell and Sarah (Condello) Sanderson.

He graduated from Westfield Central with the class of 1957. While in school, Jim played basketball and football. Following graduation he worked for the former W.T.Grant store in downtown Westfield and it was there where he met and fell in love with the love of his life, Shirley J. Leach, who was also employed there. They married on July 18, 1959, and together raised three boys.

Jim worked multiple jobs in Westfield, including Seneca grape in production and Welch Foods in their print shop. In the evenings, Jim went to an electrical vocational and trade school and became proficient in electrical studies. He was the production manager at the former Belknap Business Forms in Westfield for 20 years until he started his own business, Sanderson Electric, as an electrical contractor in the area providing electrical services.

In earlier years Jim loved camping with his family every summer along with his friends and their families. He loved hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, horseshoes and just being outdoors.

Retirement years with his wife were memorable. They owned a cottage at Bourne’s Beach on the shores of Lake Erie in Westfield where many sunsets and family gatherings were observed. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, with Hawaii being their furthest destination. But most of all, Jim loved the time spent with family and friends.

He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills and was always a fan of his children and grandchildren during any of their sporting events.

Jim was a past member of the Cascade Hose Co. and Rescue squad of the Westfield Fire Department., Westfield Moose Lodge 118, and the American Legion Post 327.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley J. (Leach) Sanderson, his brother Daniel (late Lois) Sanderson, sister Martha Kelly, brother-in-law’s Steve and Bill (late Karen) Leach, sister-in-law Sharon (late Stan) Seiter, nephews Daryl Sanderson, James Leach, and his canine companion, Muffin.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his children, Tim Sanderson, Doug (Donna) Sanderson, both of Westfield and Mark Sanderson of Celoron, his sister Edith Brewer (late John) and sister-in-law's Sandra Leach and Lynnell Ellis all of Westfield. Many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

As per Jim’s wishes, all services will be held privately with burial in Portland Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, NY.

Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be made to the: Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 N. Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Freay Funeral Home, Mayville, NY. To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com