The Injection Molding Division is deeply saddened by the loss of their long time board member, Jim Wenskus. Jim has been a loyal contributor and asset to the SPE Injection Molding Divisions and has served many years of dedication to our division.
James J. Wenskus, Jr., was born in Rochester, NY, to his Lithuanian parents, Anna and James Wenskus, on August 17, 1935. He graduated from Aquinas Institute and, pursuing his interest in science, attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in chemistry in 1957.
He worked for several years at Stromberg-Carlson before moving to the Manufacturing Research and Engineering Organization of Eastman Kodak Company where he stayed for 33 years. In his time there, he built one of the country’s first computer-monitored injection-molding machines and pioneered numerous plastics molding techniques and technologies, earning seven U.S. and numerous foreign patents in the process.
Jim met his wife, Judy, in 1964 and married in 1966. They remained together for 55 years, raising two sons, Tim and Ted, in a loving home in Greece, NY, along with several cats.
He was active in the USAF Auxiliary/Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for most of his life, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel before retiring as Rochester Region Group Commander in 1994. He then acted as CAP Communications Officer for the Finger Lakes region of New York, where he pioneered a digital radio communication packet network for support of CAP search-and-rescue and disaster relief missions in New York State, including missions during 9/11.
He was also active in numerous professional and non-profit organizations, ranging from the Society of Plastics Engineers, the National Science Foundation, and the Rochester Council of Scientific Societies, where, as President, he oversaw a mini-grant program for science teachers by providing up to $250 for science classroom projects.
Jim’s interests were far-reaching. He was a radio amateur for 70 years, specializing in digital communications, and was also interested in meteorology, astronomy, science fiction, Egyptology, food, classical music, Biblical archaeology, and (in his own words) “prehistoric geocatastrophism and its derivative mythos.” But above all, he loved his family.
James J. Wenskus, Jr., of Greece, passed away on February 14, 2022. He is predeceased by his parents, James & Anna Wenskus. He is survived by his wife, Judith Wenskus; sons, Timothy Wenskus & Edward Wenskus.
James’ life story will be shared during his visitation, Sunday, February 20, from 1-4 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His funeral Mass will be celebrated, Monday, February 21, 10 AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2400 W. Ridge Rd. Immediately following, James will be laid to rest in St. Agnes Cemetery in Clifton Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to, Humane Society @ Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport, NY 14450 in James’ memory.
