Jim was born in Norwich on September 16, 1945 the son of J. Henry and Helen (Ryan) Rydzewski. He grew up in Oxford and was a 1963 graduate of the Oxford Academy and Central School. Following his education Jim entered the United States Navy serving his country until his honorable discharge. Throughout his life Jim was a hard worker never sitting still. He started out by owning his own business, Oxford Home Improvement for several years. He then purchased the Chenango Valley Vault Company which he owned and operated for over 20 years serving many area funeral homes not only in Chenango County but surrounding counties as well. Jim had also been a member of the Carpenters Union of Oneonta.
Jim enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and he and his wife Karen enjoyed traveling.
On September 13, 1968 in Smithtown, NY he married Karen Clearo who survives. Besides his wife Karen of Oxford, Jim is survived by his children Renee (Dana) Knowles of Marcellus, Robbin Rydzewski of Stella, NC, Maureen Rydzewski of Southport, NC and James Rydzewski, Jr. of Statesville, NC, his sister Judith (Stephen) Schoen of Los Cruses, NM, his grandchildren Christopher (Kayla) Fleming, Michael (Annie) Abbott, Brooke (Jay) Lloyd, Hunter and Alexandra Reyes, Jacob, Joshua and Genevieve Rydzewski and great grandchildren Peyton (Grace) Lloyd and Ava June Abbott.
Jim was predeceased by his sister Joan Lorimer.
A private service for Jim was held on Sunday, November 24, from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph A. Bove officiated.
A public graveside service with full military rites will be held in the spring of 2020 from St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 41 W.Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204
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