James Todd Waterbury

OSWEGO – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother, James Todd Waterbury of the Mexico/Pulaski area on January 6, 2026.

Jim was born in Oswego, NY, on June 1, 1961, to William C. Waterbury and Joan P. Waterbury, both of whom preceded him in death. The youngest of four siblings, he is survived by his eldest brother Edwin (Robin), his sister Lee Anne, and his brother Douglas (Carol), all of Oswego County; his nieces Alexandra, Elizabeth (Paul), Isabella, and nephew, William; great nephew and niece, Paulie and Ella Karmas.

Growing up, Jim was a fearless daredevil. He went through a multitude of bikes, destroying them all while attempting death-defying feats! It was common for him to come home all banged up, with swollen body parts and scrapes everywhere. He would get fixed up and then go do it all over again! Jim loved to brave the wildest rides at amusement parks too! He and his sister Lee could always be found riding the scariest ones on the field, laughing and screaming, growing hoarse with a mix of unbridled terror and excitement!

Jim graduated from the Mexico Academy in 1980. In later high-school years, he discovered a natural talent for woodworking through the Oswego County BOCES Rough and Finish Carpentry program. Here, his natural talent and craftsmanship abilities came to light. His discerning eye and attention to detail were exceptional. At that time, students were introduced to the VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) annual competition, sponsored by BOCES. It was an opportunity to test his skills against other talented students from around the County. Jim’s instructors encouraged him to enter, and to our joy and amazement, he won 1st place! The next year, he went on to take the top prize again in the next level, the state-wide event! Quite a feather in his cap!

Jim forged his own path in life, not one to follow the traditional route most people traveled. He worked for a few different companies over the years but often preferred to be a free agent, working independently. His brother Doug hired him periodically to accomplish a variety of tasks as needed, but eventually, Jim eased into the role as Doug’s trusted right-hand man, heading up projects, overseeing crews, pinch-hitting where needed, or putting out “fires” that occasionally erupted here and there. Jim was a natural problem solver, and his arsenal of knowledge, experience, and skill made him a valuable member of the team.

Always a free spirit, Jim enjoyed every aspect of life. He loved being out in nature and spending endless time with his friends on Lake Ontario and Sandy Pond, taking advantage of all the seasonal activities. Boating and hanging out in summer, riding snowmobiles and blazing new trails in the winter, he loved it all! This was the center of his world, and Jim’s friends were his second family. Together, there was always something fun going on. Picnics, bonfires, car shows, and boating excursions are just a few of the many experiences they shared. They worked hard and played hard! Their close bond was genuine, enduring, and rare. Without a question, they had each other’s backs and were always ready to lend a hand.

Jim loved all vehicles of any kind! Cars, trucks, boats, snowmobiles, and motorcycles, basically anything with an engine! He enjoyed tinkering with them and was a darn good mechanic. Jim could handle a car as if he were an experienced race car driver. He was a natural! Cool, calm, and in his element, unafraid of taking risks. He once engineered the relocation of a modest two-story cottage from the lakeshore to a cozy woodlot a short distance away. The process was slow and laborious, but it went without a hitch! What a daunting goal for anyone to tackle, but he did it with his usual self-assured confidence, pulling it off with calculated ease. But that was Jim, confident, creative, and never afraid of a challenge! He lived his life full speed ahead, pedal to the metal, hair on fire, with wild abandon!

Although Jim never married, he was able to experience the joy of being stepfather to three young boys from an earlier relationship. He loved them as if they were his own and thoroughly enjoyed teaching them all the important things a dad would want his kids to know. Jim’s playful, easy nature and honest, wholesome values contributed in great measure to their confidence and readiness to take on the world as capable young men. Today Colby, Keary, and Keegan are all living full, well-established lives. Jim could not have been more proud to know, love, and respect them as his own sons. Through them, Jim’s loving spirit lives on.

Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in his early 40’s. He had always lived his life on his own terms and was a free spirit, a true maverick. Not one to give up without a fight. With great tenacity, he faced it head-on for many years and refused to let it get him down. He made every minute count and lived every day to the fullest. His courage was inspiring.

Jim was a great brother and a wonderful uncle to his nieces and his nephew. He had a terrific sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Always the life of our family gatherings, he would entertain us with a myriad of hilarious stories and his crazy life experiences! What an entertainer he was!

One of his many talents was impersonating people we knew, exaggerating their unique idiosyncrasies while we would roar with laughter and beg for more. It was all in good fun and will remain a favorite in our memories of him.

Jim was easy to talk to and a fervent protector of those he loved, loyal to a fault! He had great insight and was a trusted confidant. The deep friendships and relationships he cultivated would last his lifetime. He could strike up interesting conversations, anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. Easy-going, multi-faceted, and genuine. Knowing him was never dull.

The amazing sunsets over Lake Ontario always called Jim. It was a mesmerizing time of day that he loved to take advantage of. It was cathartic and rejuvenating to take in the tranquil, sparkling lake and the magnificent show of vibrant colors that brilliantly painted the glorious vista.

He would always stay until the sun gently slipped behind the vast horizon; it was the grand finale.

The following is one of Jim’s favorite quotes.

Portraying a Life Well Led

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “Wow! What a Ride!”  -Hunter S. Thompson

This was Jim, and aptly personifies how he lived his life. He was our youngest sibling, reckless, wild, talented, hilarious, carefree, and deeply loved by all. He left an indelible mark on each of our hearts. We will miss him.

Rest in peace, little brother.

Services will be held privately for the family.

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.