James Hazlitt

JAMES HAZLITT

Hector, NY-It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Roberts Hazlitt who passed away peacefully at the age of 88 at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on May 20, 2025.

Born in Geneva New York, Jim lived a rich and fulfilling life defined by his deep connection to the land and waters of the Finger Lakes region. He was a star basketball player at Watkins Glen High school. He played baseball all through his youth on the Hector baseball team before going on to Cornell, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. When not throwing horseshoes or playing ball, he loved to sail his Hobie. Sunday sailboat races created great memories, and he always boasted about having the first Hobie Cat on Seneca Lake, #290. He loved to tell the story about the winter of 77 when he, alongside his buddies Guy Schamel and Dave Kendall, crossed Seneca Lake when it froze over.

Jim's passion for farming was evident in every carefully tended row of the family grape farm. His skilled hands pruned countless vines over the decades. After Cornell, he joined his dad and brother on the farm. In the late 70’s Jim and Jerry started planting vinifera grapes. He soon became a pioneer in the Finger Lakes Grape industry. His accomplishments were well known, and he was respected by many as a teacher and a mentor. Jim sat on many boards, Farm Bureau, Schuyler County Soil and Water and the New York State Wine Grape Growers to name a few. He was a proud member of the VLH Fire Company, also serving as president.

Above all else, Jim treasured his family. He was a devoted husband to Sue for 39 years, a loving father to Eric and Kristin, stepfather to Andra, Tim, and Allison and a cherished grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. His legacy lives on through the family he loved and the traditions he instilled.

Jim is survived by the love of his life Sue Hazlitt, son Eric (Tina) Hazlitt, Kristin Hazlitt, Andra (Marijn) Dekkers, Timothy (Wendy) Moffett, Allison (John) Santos. He was preceded in death by his father James Hazlitt, mother Elisabeth Hazlitt, brother Jerome Hazlitt, sister-in law Elaine Hazlitt.

A celebration of Jims's life will be held on June 8, at Hector Wine Company from 3-6. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Hector Food Pantry or Hector Fire Department.

Jim's wisdom, gentle humor, and steadfast presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will continue to sail freely over the vineyards and waters he so dearly loved.

Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home of Watkins Glen is assisting the family.