James H. Vinsonhaler Jr.

James Henry Vinsonhaler was born August 7, 1946, in Auburn, NY, to the late James Vinsonhaler and Margret (Powers) Vinsonhaler.

Jim attended Auburn Schools. Jim was employed and retired after 20 years from ALCO Power in Auburn. He then began a second career with The Department of NY VFW Administration as a Service Officer in Syracuse, NY. Jim retired after another 20 years as the Director of Veterans Service, supervising four offices in Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo, and New York City.

He also served for 10 years as a NYS certified baseball official for high schools and colleges. Jim served honorably in the US Army as a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division and was discharged in 1966, just leaving Vietnam and earning a Purple Heart.

Jim was a lifetime member of VFW Post 7127 in Moravia, NY, and was elected as the first Vietnam veteran Commander, as well as serving as the first Vietnam veteran Commander of CNY Counties Commander to the VFW. Jim was also a Lifetime Member of Chapter 30 Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post 800.

Jim spent most of his time after retirement playing golf and enjoying classic cars. He will be remembered by his dedication to our country and his many close friends.

Besides his parents, Jim was deceased by his wife of 57 years, Kay “Mama Kay,” as well as a sister, Sharon Condes. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Edmunds (Kirk) of Skaneateles, his son, James Vinsonhaler (Liz) of Lakeland, Ohio, grandson Alec Mix (Ali) of Syracuse, granddaughter Teaghan Mix (Devon), and a great-grandson, R.J. Livermore of Cincinnatus, NY.

A brief VFW service for Jim will be held at 11:00 AM, Sunday, March 15, 2026, at VFW Post #7127, Adams St., Moravia. Interment will be in Washington D.C. at Arlington National Cemetery.

Donations may be sent to the Four-Town Ambulance Services in Moravia, NY, as well as the Moravia VFW Post 7127. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James H. Vinsonhaler Jr., please visit our floral store.