Jim Hofmeister

James Hofmeister Obituary / Hofmeister, James E. (July 19, 1938 - April 11, 2025)

Of Williamsville, NY; age 86. Beloved husband of the late Suzanne (nee Gray) Hofmeister. Devoted father of Rachel Kautz (Rick Heavern) and Matthew (Elizabeth) Hofmeister. Cherished grandfather of Claire, Mark, Samuel and Charles. Loving son of the late Frederick and Margaret (nee Gore) Hofmeister. James was a 1956 graduate of Amherst High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts and Master's in Art Education from the State University College at Buffalo. He began teaching art in the Lackawanna School District in 1965 where he spent his entire career until retiring in 1994. After retiring James and his wife of 54 years, Suzanne, opened a jewelry design business specializing in one-of-kind designs. James also took up skiing at age 50 and was a devoted volunteer in the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley. James was an enthusiastic art lover and dedicated art collector. He and Suzanne were instrumental in the capital campaign fund raising for the Burchfield Penney Art Center at Buffalo State University. Jim and Suzanne were also avid cooks and authored the gourmet column for Buffalo Spree Magazine for many years. Jim was also a lifelong boating enthusiast. Growing up, his family cruised the Great Lakes. Later Jim took to sailing and kayaking and was a long-time member of the Buffalo Canoe Club. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of his Life Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 11 AM–2 PM at The Buffalo Yacht Club, 1 Porter Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14201. If desired, donations in James's memory may be made to Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, Holiday Valley Resort, P.O. Box 370, Ellicottville, NY 14731.