James J. Wentzel Jr.

James Wentzel Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 69 on March 25 following a brief illness.
He was born in Northampton, Massachusetts and was the son of the late James Wentzel and Helen (Niedbalski) Wentzel.
Jim grew up in Florence and attended schools in Northampton. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Springfield College where he majored in environmental studies. While in college, he was a member of both the varsity track team and varsity soccer team. He also participated in the ski club and played intramural basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball. He loved the outdoors and spent most of his career in the lawn care business. Jim enjoyed many hobbies, including deer hunting, bird hunting with his Brittanys, fishing and playing golf. He also had a passion for music! He especially liked the Beatles, Jethro Tull, Bruce Springsteen and Dire Straits.
Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and an outgoing personality. He loved people! He was a friend to many and always fun to be around. Jim was one of a kind!
He was a good man who will be greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Sandra (Blasenak) Wentzel; his son, Justin Wentzel of Whately; and Megan Wentzel, also of Whately; two daughters, Lauren Wentzel and her partner Derek of Worthington; Nicole Shapiro and her husband Craig of Austin, Texas; and five grandsons; Camden, Jordon, Darron, Max, and Jack. Jim also leaves his brother, Gregory Wentzel and his wife Mary Jo of Woodbridge, Virginia and his sister Sheila Wentzel of North Wales, Pennsylvania. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 12th from 9-11am at the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton, with a funeral home service to follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New England, Brittany Rescue at nebrittanyrescue.org.