James M. Austin

Olean- James Michael Austin “Loving Husband, Father, & Grandfather” 

 James M. Austin of South 11th Street passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at home following an illness, surrounded by his loving wife and family. 

 James was born on February 26, 1949, in Olean and was the son of Ellsworth and Eleanor Baker Austin. On February 27, 1999, he married his loving wife, Donna M. Sapir, who survives. 

 James is a 1966 graduate of Portville Central High School. On June 5, 1969, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam. James was honorably discharged on April 14, 1971. He began working with his father in the family business, A&A Plumbing and Heating and where he eventually took over and worked for 27 years until his retirement in 1998. During retirement James worked as a manager at Kwik Fill on Main Street for several years until 2012 and at Quality Quick Luke until he became disabled in 2013. James enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He also loved his dog Zoey Lynn. 

 Beside his loving wife Donna, James is survived by his 3 daughters: Jamie (Robert) Kennedy of Salamanca, Hope M. Haight of Indiana, and Lyndsay A. Keis of Olean, a son, EJ Sutton V of Olean, 7 grandchildren; Kimberlie, Kaylie, Dyllon, Shane, Makayla, Sekina, and Nevaeh, 2 brothers; Tom Austin of Portville and Terry (Jane) Austin of Florida. 

 James was predeceased by his parents, a daughter, Jennifer A. Austin on December 26, 2022, and a brother, Timothy Austin in 2001. 

A celebration of life will be held at a date and time to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com