James H. Penney III, 65, of Catskill passed away on December 31, 2025.  

Born in Catskill to the late James H. and Ellen Penney.  

Jim married his lifelong friend and high school sweetheart, Kelly Lang, in 1980, the same year he graduated from Catskill High School. He went on to work as a heavy equipment mechanic for the New York State Thruway Authority, dedicating 33 years of service before retiring in 2015.

Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley and his vintage snowmobiles. A natural tinkerer, Jim spent countless hours in his garage, where there was little he couldn’t fix or build. An expert carpenter and skilled woodworker, he carried on a passion he inherited from his father. Jim grew up on Valley Road and chose to build his home next door, where he and his wife raised their two children.

A lifelong resident of Catskill, Jim was an active and dedicated community volunteer, serving as a coach and board member for the Catskill Little League and Babe Ruth programs for ten years. With grease on his hands and determination in his heart, Jim never turned away from a challenge. Whether it involved an engine, wheels, or simply required someone patient enough to figure it out. He believed in doing things right the first time and in helping others whenever he could. Friends and family knew they could always count on him for advice, a repair, or a steady presence when it mattered most.

Survived by his beloved wife Kelly Penney; daughter Kristina(Chris) Forstbauer; son James (Dayna) Penney IV; grandchildren Ryder and Colton Forstbauer and Weston and Charlee Penney; sister Carol Reilly; mother-in-law Marta Lang; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jim and Penny Konstalid, Frank and Kathy Lang, and Brenda and John Olivett; as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, skill, and a life built with his own two hands.  

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 8 from 3-7 p.m. at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, 234 Jefferson Heights, Catskill.

Messages of condolences may be made to TraverMc.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Breanna Lennon DelVecchio, Owner & Licensed Funeral Director at Traver & McCurry Funeral Home, Catskill.

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