James “Jim” Toomey, 79, of Penn Yan
James “Jim” Toomey, 79, of Penn Yan, died suddenly on November 18, 2025. He was born in Lackawanna, New York, to the late Lorine Looser Clark.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Denise (Harrington) Toomey; his beloved daughters, Heather (Brandon) Zimmerman, Nicole (Bob) Fox, Amanda Toomey, and Jenise Mehta; and his cherished grandchildren, Max, Kaylie, Tully, Matty, Conlan, Selena, and Lanie.
He was predeceased by his brother, Charles (Linda) Toomey, and is survived by his sister, Dorine Clark Harrington. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Laurence (Lynn) Toomey, Michelle (Jonathan) Rizzo, Jason (Laurie) Harrington, Jeremy (Gretchen) Harrington, Sara Harrington, Jonathan (Caitlin) Harrington, and Shannon (Jason) Versluis. Jim is additionally survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, a great-great niece, and many cousins.
Jim will be sadly missed by his devoted dog, Eleanor Rigby.
Jim served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, he worked for Bethlehem Steel and the Ford Stamping Plant. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering and later retired from Kodak and the I.T.T. Aerospace Division after 38 years of service. He subsequently joined the staff at Keuka Spring, working in both the vineyard and the tasting room.
He was a dedicated caregiver to both his mother, Lorine, and his mother-in-law, Helen.
Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed running, fishing, boating, and camping. He especially treasured the family’s annual trip to the Outer Banks. He enjoyed reading, volunteered with Literacy Volunteers, and served on library boards. He loved family gatherings, made wine, and earned gold medals at the New York State Home Winemakers competition for his Riesling.
A devoted Buffalo Bills fan, Jim proudly served as head coach of the “Buffalo Swills” in his fantasy football league, often led to victory by Josh Allen.
Jim was a member of the American Legion Johnson-Costello Post #355.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Keuka Spring Vineyards, 243 State Route 54, East Lake Road, Penn Yan, on December 20, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit their website.
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