Jim Monette passed away early Thursday morning, October 29, at home, surrounded by his wife, Theresa, their two daughters, and son-in-law. Jim loved his family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

He is also survived by his two older sisters, Ann and Patricia, and their families.

Jim had many interests and hobbies, fueled by a childlike curiosity and a desire to explore and learn. He enjoyed hiking, fishing, gold panning, playing guitar, playing the musical saw, and countless other pursuits. But perhaps he was best known for his love of rocks, along with his sculptures and artwork. He found joy in discovering, creating, and sharing the things that fascinated him.

Many in the community knew Jim as their chimney sweep. He started his business in the early 1980s and built something that would continue beyond his years of active work, as his son-in-law carries on the business today. But to Jim, it was always about more than cleaning chimneys. Over the decades, he developed lasting friendships with the many customers he served. Even after retiring, he enjoyed seeing them, hearing their stories, and finding out how they were doing. Those relationships meant a great deal to him.

Above all else, Jim’s greatest love and passion was his love for God. In his early twenties, he began studying the Bible and learning its truths. Not long afterward, he became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He found great joy in sharing what he learned with everyone he met. Learning that God has a personal name, Jehovah, as revealed in the Bible, and that he could have a friendship with Him, were truths that especially delighted Jim.

Within the congregation, Jim developed friendships with people who became as close to him as family. He was tenderhearted and had a special ability to see the good in others and recognize their potential.

His faith gave him the confidence to face the future without fear. Jim firmly believed in the Bible’s promise of a resurrection to life on earth, where he would once again be reunited with his family and all those he loved.

Until that time, Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his love of family, generous spirit, gentle heart, wonderful curiosity, and sense of humor.

Memorial Service
A memorial service remembering Jim’s life will be held on November 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Whitehall Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 168 Beckwith Road, Whitehall, NY 12887.