James H. Boerst

He born Jan. 24, 1936 in Erie, Pa., to the late Harold and Bernice Brewer Boerst.

James attended Sherman Central Schools until he enlisted into the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served from 1954-60.

He was a member of the Cassadaga Memorial American Legion Post 1280.

James was a proud and dedicated worker of Dan Gernatt Farms which, eventually, evolved into Gernatt Asphalt Products. He worked for the Gernatt Family for nearly 50 years retiring in 2015 as a truck driver known everywhere as “JJ.”

James was a devoted husband to the late Mary Lou Goodwill Boerst. Loving companion to Phyllis Onnalee Goodwill; father to Roxanne (James) Priest of Troy, Mich., Sue Boerst of Falconer, William (Denise) Boerst of Janesville, Wis. and the late Duffy (Michelle) Boerst of Aubrey, Texas. He was Dad to Brenda (James Honey) Perks of Falconer, Roxanne Zerbey, Gary (Michele) Chamberlin and Robyn (David) Warner, all of Jamestown and the late Kenneth Chamberlin. Grandfather to 21 and great-grandfather to 23; brother of Donna Gratto of Westfield. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

James’ family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Village for the wonderful care our dad received and a special thank you to “Onnalee” for her dedication and care before he entered the home.

A celebration of life will be held at the home of Brenda Perks, 1431 Route 394, Falconer (just east of the old NYS Police Barracks) on Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. Funeral services were private on July 9. Burial in the Evergreen Cemetery next to the love of his life, Mary Lou, in Sinclairville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Heritage Village, Gerry, NY 14740 or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.