James Albert Thacher, 84, died on Monday (November 17, 2025) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville surrounded by family.
Jim was born on July 26, 1941in Scio to Albert Russell and Doris Clair (Krusen) Thacher. He was a 1959 graduate of Wellsville Central School. On March 25, 2006 at Dunkin Donuts in Wellsville, Jim married Marcy Sue Barager, who predeceased him on May 1, 2022.
The oil field industry put an early claim on Jim’s life, as he worked for local experts such as Bob Howe, Bill Dibble, Jim Joyce and finally Otis Eastern, where he retired in 2003. After that he began his own business based on his love of dogs, Jay-Mar Kennels in Andover, where he boarded dogs and raised sheep dogs.
Jim is survived by five children, Kelly Schaad of Wellsville, Russell (Missy) Thacher of Dilworth, Minn., Bradley (Rebecca) Thacher of Murray, Ky., Matthew (Jaimee) Williams of Wellsville and Jaylyn Thacher of Andover; a sister, Carol Sherwood of Wellsville; the mother of his oldest three children, Debbie Witherell of Limestone; eight grandchildren, Collin Byron, Noah Byron, Nadayah Frederick, Braden Thacher, Logan Thacher, Brody Williams, Blake Geffers, and Shelby Geffers; and several nieces nephews and cousins.
Along with his wife, Jim was predeceased by a brother, David Charles Thacher; a brother-in-law, Donald Sherwood, and his dearest life-long friends, Fred and Regina Conklin.
As a young boy, the oldest of three Thacher children, Jim spent lots of time with his dad working and hanging out in the oil and gas fields. They took camping trips into Canada for fun times, as well.
Jim was an avid bowler and passed a good deal of time in the snowmobile shops. He generally liked hanging out with people, most notably life-long friends Jackie Brown, Cindy Fracasse and Kathy Pierce as well as at the Andover Hardware with his legendary friends Bill Green, Jim Dunham, Ken Bowers and Don Thorp.
Gardening was a delightful hobby for Jim; he cultivated truly beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. He worked with wood in construction projects and more art-focused projects. His projects included decks, stairs, dog houses, and picture frames. As a spectator, Jim was a loyal Buffalo Sabres fan, thrilled when he got to go to the games in person.
Jim was very proud of his work with the Shetland Sheepdogs that he raised in his later years.
To his family, Jim’s life exemplified the lifestyle traits of hard work, family focus and kindness.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday (November 22) from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Burial will take place in York’s Corners Cemetery in Willing.
Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
