James Ernstrom

James William “Bill” Ernstrom

February 5, 1945 – November 28, 2025

James William Ernstrom, known to all who loved him as Bill, passed away peacefully on

November 28, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 80 years old.

Born on February 5, 1945, in Afton, New York, Bill grew up a small-town country boy with big

dreams and an unshakable sense of optimism. He often joked that he was “just trying to make

his way in the world,” and he did far more than that. With grit, warmth, and his signature positive

mental attitude, Bill built a life filled with love, accomplishment, and deep connection.

Bill graduated from Andover in 1963, Hamilton College in 1967, and Cornell Law School in

1971. Early in his adult life, he served with honor in the New York Army National Guard, giving

service to his state and country.

After his Guard service, he began a distinguished career as an attorney in Rochester, New York

In 1982 he founded the law firm Ernstrom & Dreste in Rochester, New York, where he practiced

for over two decades. His influence in the construction and surety law world was profound. Over

his 30+ years in the industry, Bill served as General Counsel of Alberici Corporation and later as

Vice President for Major and Strategic Projects at The Walsh Group, one of the largest domestic

contracting firms in the United States.

A national leader in contract documents and alternative project delivery, Bill chaired the

industry-wide effort that led to ConsensusDOCS, first published in 1997 and now used across

the country. He ran the Associated General Contractors of America’s Contract Documents

Program for more than 15 years and was honored many times for his contributions, including

the IRMI Words of Wisdom Award in 2003, the AGC “Chairman of the Year” Award in 1998, and

the AGC President’s Coin for exemplifying integrity, dedication, and exceptional leadership.

Despite his professional achievements, Bill’s greatest pride was his family.

He is survived by his life partner and the love of his life, Sheila McNally, who brought him joy,

companionship, and unwavering support. He is also survived by his children: James David

(“David”) Ernstrom and his wife, Meredith, and their three children James, Walker, and Finley;

Thomas Gregory (“Greg”) Ernstrom; Katherine Elizabeth (“Kate”) Ernstrom, her husband Dan

Klancnik, and their sons William and Charles. Bill is further survived by his sister-in-law Rita

Ernstrom, wife of his late brother Carl, his nephew and niece: Bill Ernstrom and his wife Janie,

and Susan Ernstrom Roberts and her husband Greg, and by many friends, colleagues, and

extended family members who will miss his warmth, humor, and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lulu Helen (Trevett) and James Paul Ernstrom, and

by his brother Carl Ernstrom.

Bill’s life was rich with the things he loved most: family, nature, animals, and good conversation.

He had a gentle way with creatures big and small – whether rescuing dragonflies on the lakes of

his childhood or learning bird songs so he could “talk” to the birds. He believed deeply in the

power of attitude and was known for answering “How are you?” with a cheerful, “Nearly perfect,”

a line that reliably lifted the spirits of anyone who heard it.

In retirement, Bill found peace and happiness living near Lake Geneva, surrounded by beauty,

community, and the quiet he cherished.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4th, from 3:00–7:00 PM at

Walworth Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will follow on Friday, December 5th, at 11:00 AM at St. Benedict Catholic

Church in Fontana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the 529 college savings funds

of his grandsons, William and Charles Klancnik. Bill always valued the importance of

education, and two of his favorite people on this earth were William and Charlie. In the final

months of his life, he regularly reminded the boys of the value of learning and the importance of

pursuing their education. Contributions can be made securely online using Vanguard’s uGift

system: https://www.ugift529.com, using gift code C63-Y62 for William and P36-88L for

Charles