James E. Wanamaker “Jim” passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 85 years of age. Jim was preceded in death by his Wife of 43 years Ruth L. Wanamaker (nee´ Ambrey), his parents William H. and Anita Wanamaker, as well as his brothers William H. Wanamaker, Jr., Albert Wanamaker and Raymond Wanamaker.
Jim is survived by three daughters, Karen Henry of San Diego, CA; Linda Campbell and her husband Todd Campbell of Apex, North Carolina; Diane Cook and her husband Jack Cook of Newnan, Georgia, as well as six grandchildren; Heather Henry, Tyler, Evan and Ryan Campbell; Michael and Emily Cook.
Born in Nyack, New York on February 18, 1932 Jim enjoyed sharing stories of many happy memories from his childhood there. He taught swimming lessons and lifeguarded at the local YMCA & Boy Scout camps, and was always proud of his Boy Scout Eagle Award, which hung in his room until his passing.
After his service in the Army, Jim was a woodshop teacher at Benjamin Franklin Jr. High School in Ridgewood, NJ. He also taught driver’s education, refereed local football games and represented the local teachers union. Jim spent most of his summer breaks camping and sailing with his family.
After retiring, Jim enjoyed remodeling his parents’ house on the river in Piermont, NY where he lived until he moved south to be closer to his daughter’s as his illness progressed. During his time in Piermont, Jim was an active member of the Piermont Reformed Church there and served as a Deacon.
Jim loved history and earned a Master’s Degree from Columbia University in New York City. He was always eager to share stories about history, especially ones that involved the local area and his family genealogy.
A volunteer fireman at Empire Hook & Ladder Company, Nyack, NY, Jim often told the story of “Goosetown Against the World”. He also volunteered at the Ridgewood Fire Department, Ridgewood, NJ where he resided for most of his adult life.
The family will have visitation on Friday, June 2nd, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hannemann Funeral Home, 88 South Broadway, Nyack, NY. Funeral service will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 at Nyack Reformed Church, 18 South Broadway, Nyack, NY with internment immediately following at Oak Hill Cemetery, 140 North Highland Ave., Nyack, NY.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Empire Hook & Ladder Company, 330 North Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960, or Piermont Reformed Church, 361 Ferdon Avenue, Piermont, NY 10968.