James Spitz, Jr.

Early in the evening on Saturday, August 23, 2025, the world lost a wonderful man. James Alan Spitz, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on his 75th birthday.

Born in Rochester, New York in 1950 to James Alan Spitz, Sr. and Donna Rodgers Spitz, Jim was a lifelong resident of Pittsford. After graduating from Pittsford Sutherland in 1968, Jim attended Middlebury University in Vermont where he played on both the soccer and golf teams. It was after his junior year in college when he married the love of his life, Cheryl Jones Spitz, a Penfield native he met on a blind date in high school. Though legally too young to get married at the time, his parents had to consent to the union. Jim and Cheryl moved to Syracuse after graduation where he attended both Syracuse University Law School and Business School, graduating with honors from both institutions.

The happy couple then moved back to Rochester where Jim started working at Harris Beach, LLC as an attorney practicing Labor and Employment law. Jim rose through the ranks, which was a habit of his, earning him the nickname the “Tiny General”, and eventually becoming the Managing Partner of the firm. Over the years, Jim was frequently listed in the publication The Best Lawyers in America, including most recently in 2023 where he was voted by his peers as one of the best lawyers in: Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment.

Jim and Cheryl welcomed two boys into the world, Timothy (Mallory) and Tyler. Jim was a wonderful husband and father, supporting his two boys on and off the golf course and ski hill. His friends often made the comment, “When I come back, I want to be a Spitz kid.” Jim was an avid golfer and downhill skier, which is where you’d find him if he wasn’t working or with his family. Jim was a longtime member of both Monroe Golf Club and Hunt Hollow Ski Club and served as the president of the board at both clubs as well as the head coach of the Hunt Hollow Race Team. Jim was also an animal lover and served as the Chairperson of the Board and a Director of LollyPop Farm.

Most importantly, he was a beloved “Grandfather” to Lilly, Gretta, Hannah, Max, Timmy, Harper, and Emerson. He rarely missed their sporting events and loved to spend his weekends boating them around Honeoye Lake, his second home.

In addition to his immediate family, Jim is survived by his brother Steve (Chris), sister Tracy (Rob), and many nieces and nephews. Jim also leaves behind many life long friends that became family and his adored dog, Tank. Jim is predeceased by his parents James Sr. and Donna, as well as maternal grandparents Herbert and Marion Rodgers and paternal grandparents Werner and Ann Spitz.

The family will forever be grateful to the staff of Wilmot Cancer Center and Strong Memorial Hospital.

Friends may call to the funeral chapel (2305 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, New York), Thursday, August 28th, from 3 pm to 6 pm, followed by a celebration of his life reception at Monroe Golf Club on Friday, August 29th, from 3-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Lollypop Farm.

In closing, before your next golf shot or run down a mountain, please let Jim know this one is for him, a life truly well lived.