James Austin Nearpass
TYRE/WATERLOO - James Austin Nearpass, age 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, surrounded by the family he cherished so deeply. James lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet devotion.
After graduating from Morrisville State College, James founded Nearpass Farms. Working with his son John and other family members, he demonstrated the value of honest labor, faith in God's provision, and strength in running a small business in good times and bad.
James trusted in Jesus Christ and lived out his faith in the way he cared for his family, treated his neighbors, and faced life's joys and burdens. James lived with the humility of a servant who trusted in God's promises ('The last will be first, and the first will be last.'). His quiet and faithful life bore witness to a greater reward that does not fade.
The greatest blessing of his life was his marriage to his sweetheart, Astrid Bergman Nearpass. Their 72 years of marriage were a rare and beautiful love story written on pages of shared work, laughter, prayer, and family gatherings. James and Astrid were a team in their home, at church, and even in the milking parlor. They were most proud of their legacy: five children, 13 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Whether around the kitchen table, at a family celebration, or in quiet conversations, their presence was steady, warm, and deeply loved.
In Matthew 25:35, Jesus delivered a powerful mandate to show compassion to others: 'For I was hungry and you gave me food; thirsty and you gave me drink; a stranger and you welcomed me.' The Nearpass's door was eternally open to friends, family, and strangers; their table fed uncounted thousands of guests; they always made room in the farmhouse for people suffering from an unwanted turn of events. Christ demands tangible acts of generosity toward those who could never repay us; James and Astrid delivered on that promise.
James was a lifelong sports fan and athlete who loved competition, teamwork, and winning. Whether watching the Yankees and the Orange, or joining in a game himself, he carried that competitive spark well into his later years.
Jim Nearpass will be remembered as a faithful husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; hardworking farmer; and devoted follower of Christ. He is survived by his wife Astrid; brothers Ronald (Ruth), sister-in-law Dagmar (Gordon), Gary (Karen), and Leslie (Rose); children Andrew (Judith), John (Colleen), Nancy (Michael) Lynch, Deborah (Jeffrey) Hoffman, and Tina; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Royal and Catherine (Wilson) Nearpass, his brother Gordon, and his sister Esther.
The family extends thanks to caregivers, Dr. Eric Shives and Dr. Emily Lambert throughout the years. James admired your knowledge and care. Special thanks to the team at Rochester Regional Health Hospice Care. Your compassion and care have been immeasurable.
Calling hours for James will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at the Tyre Reformed Church, 645 State Route 414, Waterloo. The memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at J. Martins Auctions, 1036 NY 318, Waterloo. Memorial gifts may be made to the Tyre Reformed Church, St. Rt. 414, Waterloo, NY, 13165.
'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Matthew 25:2