Obituary of James Arthur Mentnech

James A. Mentnech, age 78, died Saturday February 11, 2017. Born on the Cypert family farm on June 29, 1938 to Arthur Mentnech and Mary Cypert Mentnech, he was the oldest of seven children and was a lifelong Town of Neversink resident. He was a general contractor who built many custom homes in this area. Jim was always busy - building, fixing, creating or helping his family and friends. He didn't vacation because he found joy in his work and being near his home and those he loved. His wife, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters were very precious to him & he was very proud that he could give each of them property for them to raise their own families. Jim loved restoring old trucks and was an active member in the Neversink-Roundout Antique Machinery Association. At many NRAMA shows Jim was there with his antique machines and old one-room cabin. He taught many local carpenters the skilled craft of woodworking and construction. He was a past member of the Neversink ZBA. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Irma DuBois, on December 6, 1958 and they enjoyed 58 years together. They have 3 daughters, Bonnie Lewis (Barry), Janet Mentnech, and Patti Milisauskas. Jim is survived by his wife and daughters, as well as his three terrific grandsons Sean (April), Daniel (Tiffany) and Dustin (Aria) Lewis, and three lovely granddaughters Emily and Amy Hubbert and Nevaeh Milisauskas. He is also survived by two brothers John (Pam) and Anthony (Trisha), and four sisters Anne (Homer) Waring, Jane Hammer, Judi (Al) Gerow and Alice (Paul) Edelman, along with many special nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws. Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the Grahamsville Ambulance Squad (PO Box 152 Grahamsville NY 1274), The Church of the Immaculate Conception (6317 Route 42 Woodbourne NY 12788), or the Ian and Devin Mullen Future Fund (6552 State Route 55 Liberty NY 12754), or to the charity of your choice. Visitation will take place Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52 Woodbourne NY 12788. Services will follow. A memorial mass will take place on Sunday, March 5, at 9 am at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, State Route 42 Woodbourne. Arrangements were made by Colonial-Bryant Funeral Home for further information please visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com or call (845) 434-7363.