Oneonta - James E. Herring, 81, passed away January 20, 2026 with his family by his side at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.

He was born December 28, 1944 in Oneonta, the son of Hobert and Dinah (Hitchcock) Herring.

He was a United States Army veteran serving from 1963 to 1966, as a helicopter mechanic in Germany with Co Arseven.   He enjoyed participating in the Honor Flight several years ago.

He married Linda Utter on June 8, 1968.

Jim was employed at NYSEG, retiring in 2000 as an UCAM.

He was a member of the American Legion and Oneonta Elks Club where he served as a past trustee.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, Thursdays at Sloan's and social time at the Elks .   He liked to keep busy.  He most especially loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Brian J. Herring and wife, Jennifer; daughter, Karen L. Bostic and husband, Duane; grandchildren, Erin Herring, Ethan Herring, and Jackson Ulak; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Elaine Ballard, and Christine MacPherson, and his brother Tom Herring.

A celebration of life will take place 1 PM to 4 PM Saturday, January 24 at the Oneonta Elks Lodge, 84-86 Chestnut St., Oneonta.  At 1 PM there will be an Elks Lodge of Sorrows, followed by a Memorial Service and Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UC Development, Memo: Oneonta Veterans Outreach Center, 4 Academy St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or Posey Shelter Pet, 1874 Fish Creek Rd., Cedartown, GA 30125  where Jim and Linda got third beloved dog named Lucky from.

Arrangements are entrusted with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta; www.lhpfuneralhome.com