James William Theinert of Sag Harbor died unexpectedly on Thursday, September 7, due to complications of chronic heart disease. He was 71.
“Big Jim” left this life surrounded by his beloved family, who will miss him dearly.
He was born on February 26, 1952, to William and Patricia Theinert in Queens. He grew up in East Meadow, the middle of three children, and attended St. Brigid Catholic primary school. Later, at East Meadow High School, he played lacrosse, developing a lifelong passion for the game.
In 1977, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the New York City Fire Department, proudly serving with Ladder 117, Engine 312, and, finally, as a chief’s aide with Battalion 49. He was immensely proud of his service to NYC and was retired medically in 1998 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Jim was married twice, first to Chrystyna Skovira. He and Chrys were blessed with three sons, William, Joseph, and James, and raised them on Shelter Island. An ever-present father, Jim could always be found on the sidelines of their sporting events, cheering them on loudly.
Later, he married Catherine Hanley-Forde of Sag Harbor. He and Cathy enjoyed nearly two decades together in their beautiful Sag Harbor home.
He is remembered as someone who loved his community and friends, whether by lending a hand, hosting parties, or inviting any and all to see the resplendent Christmas Village he annually set up in his basement, complete with toy trains. He filled his life, and particularly his retirement, with seizing chances to catch up with old friends at the beach, take his sons camping, and bring people together in his own way. However, life also brought its share of tragedies, most notably the loss of his son Joe, who was killed while serving his country as a US Army First Lieutenant in Afghanistan in 2010.
Everyone who knew Jim knew how much this loss affected him. And he worked the rest of his life to honor his grief with efforts to share his endless pride at Joe’s service and sacrifice.
Jim is also predeceased by his parents, his brother, Bruce, and sister, Denise. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy; his children Billy (Nancy) and Jimbo (Mary) Theinert, Zoe (Chris) Koegel, and Jason and Barry Hanley-Forde; and his adored grandchildren, Cooper, Acadia, and Archie Theinert and Rebecca, Claire and Tommy Koegel.
A wake will be held Friday, September 15, from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home, 91 Hampton Street, Sag Harbor. The funeral Mass will be at Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church, 5 Prospect Avenue, Shelter Island Heights, on Saturday, September 16, at 10:30 AM.
A celebration of life follows from 2 to 5 PM at American Legion Mitchell Post #281, 1 Bateman Road, Shelter Island.
His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, you memorialize Jim, if so inclined, with a donation to Strongpoint Theinert Ranch. Donations can be made by visiting www.StrongpointTheinert.org
