James M. Gauthier, 71, of St. Rt. 365, Verona, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at his home under the care of Hospice.

He was born on October 20, 1953, in Utica, the son of George H. and Eileen J. (Schaffner) Gauthier Jr. Jim was a 1971 graduate of Unatego High School.

On May 8, 2015, Jim was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carla Suarez.

Jim was a truck driver for Fleet Postal Trucking in New Jersey for many years, retiring in 2019.

Jim loved being in the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting but especially enjoyed his yearly trips to the ocean. He trained dogs in his spare time. Jim was a loving and caring father to his children and stepchildren and a wonderful husband to his wife, Carla.

Surviving besides his loving wife, Carla; are four children, Kevin (Amber) Gauthier, of IA, Darren Gauthier, of IA, Danielle (Thomas) Henderson, of Binghamton, and Jeffrey (Amanda) Gauthier, of CT; three stepchildren, Inah Villahermosa, Lorenzo Villahermosa, and Marga Villahermosa, all at home; a grandson, Liam Henderson; two sisters, Kathleen Gates, of Macungie, PA, and Suzanne (Ronald) Bazan, of Syracuse; and several nieces and nephews.

A private Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Oneida, where the Rev. James Buttner will officiate. There are no calling hours.