Obituary of James Joseph Herkenham

Obituary – James Joseph Herkenham James Joseph Herkenham, III, son of the late James Joseph Herkenham, Jr. and the late Elizabeth (Nice) Herkenham, and brother to Peter A. Herkenham of Hackettstown, NJ, entered into rest on February 5, 2023 at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, NY. Born in Manhattan on April 29, 1951, Jim graduated from Fordham Prep, Fordham College, and Fordham Law School. He worked as an attorney in the Bronx District Attorney's office, the law firm of Diamond, Rutman & Costello in Manhattan and the law firm of Grogan & Botti in Goshen, NY. In 1991, Jim opened his own law practice in Slate Hill, NY. By that time, Jim had relocated his family from the Bronx to the beautiful town of Greenville in Orange County, New York, where he finished out his life. Jim enjoyed protecting his clients and took his cases personally. He was at his absolute best when he went to battle defending the rights of children, young people and adults who had little power in the system. Outside of work, Jim had countless interests. He was – probably first and foremost – a bibliophile and an avid student of history. Few people had a greater understanding of World War II and especially of the life and times of Winston Churchill.Jim also read fiction voraciously and took particular interest in stories set in one of his favorite cities, Montreal. When visiting Montreal, Jim delighted in taking his wife, Diane, to the Museum of Fine Arts, the famous Gibby's restaurant, and – of course –a game or two of Canadiens hockey. The games between his favorite New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens were always the best. Having played hockey in college at Boston College for two years and then at Fordham for two years, Jim truly loved the game. As a goalie, he said that he would often dream of making saves in the net. At various times in his life, Jim was able to pursue his hobbies in earnest. He had a large stamp collection and constructed model ships and airplanes – both of which further increased his desire to learn more about history. As a teenager, Jim began painting and alsobecame quite proficient as a writer. Jim was alifetime member of the Manhattan branch of The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.Some of his fondest memories were of the dinners he attended with his sons on Saint Patrick's Dayin New York City where all three donned their tuxedos and partook generously in the finest fare and political talk. He was also a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Port Jervis chapter – an organization that welcomed him warmly when he arrived upstate with his family from the Bronx.In recent years, Jim obtained membership in the Literary and Historical Society of Quebec. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Diane (Slattery), and his sons, James Justin Herkenhamof Carmel, NY and Kevin Eugene Herkenham of Reston, VA. With their respective wives, Linda and Heather, James and Kevin further blessed Jim with two grandchildren each – Matthew and Stella and Dagne and Jem. Each of his sons and each of his grandchildren filled Jim with immeasurable pride and joy. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Jim's life at Donovan's Funeral Home in Goshen, NY on Saturday, February 11 from 1-4. A funeral mass will be celebrated at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist on Monday, February 13 at 10 AM. Jim will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY following the funeral.