James A. “Jim” Tainter, 61, of Erieville died peacefully on April 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

       He was born on November 18, 1964 in Oneida, New York to Dorothy L. (Peters) and Leland H. Tainter. Jim was an eighth generation native of Erieville, New York. He was a member of the Erieville Fire Department, becoming one of the first Junior Firemen. Jim was an EMT, later serving as Rescue Captain and was a Volunteer Fire Investigator for Madison County. A graduate of Cazenovia High School, he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America, earning the Empire Farm degree as well as being the Madison Sub-District President 1983-84. Jim was also a former President, Vice-President, and Trustee of the Erieville Evergreen Cemetery Association from the 1990’s-present. Jim had an avid interest in the history of the Town of Nelson at one time serving as the town Historian.

       Jim loved working with his hands, especially woodcarving, winning a first-place prize in the Wildlife Art Amateur competition at the NYS Fair. Jim also loved to buy and sell antiques in his free time.

       Jim was a loving son, husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer M. Tainter (McCarthy); his son, Nathaniel J. Tainter; and his daughter, Sophia H. Tainter; his mother, Dorothy L. Tainter; his sisters, Joni M. (Paul) Golden and Janine A. (Jeff) English; his brother in-law, James W. McCarthy as well as his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Leland H. Tainter, and his in-laws, Bernard and Anita E. (Odell) McCarthy.

       Calling hours are 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2026 at Michael E. Brown Funeral Services, 2333 Fenner Road in Cazenovia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Cazenovia with burial to follow at the Erieville Evergreen Cemetery in Erieville.

       In lieu of flowers (due to allergies), Jim’s family request making a donation in his memory to the Upstate Cancer Center, c/o the Upstate Foundation, 750 East Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210 (payable to the Upstate Foundation), the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240 or St. Peters Episcopal Church, 12 Mill St., Cazenovia, NY 13035.

       Condolences for the Tainter family may be shared at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.