James R. Horvath

James R. “Jim” Horvath, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on August 1, 1940, at Bellevue Hospital, Jim was the son of the late James G. Horvath I and Alice (Baker) Horvath. Jim spent his earliest years on a farm in Delanson before moving to Rotterdam at a young age. While growing up, he developed the grit and mechanical skills that would define his life while working with his father in his small engine repair shop. A lifelong area resident and hardworking entrepreneur, he was the proud owner and operator, along with his wife Phyllis, of JR & Son’s Waste Service in Rotterdam. For many years, they were a familiar face in the community, providing dedicated service to their customers.

A true mechanical enthusiast, Jim’s life was defined by his love for "anything with an engine." In his younger years, he was an avid drag racer who won many trophies on the strip, a passion that evolved into a lifelong appreciation for classic cars and the thrill of snowmobiling, motorcycles, and boats. He also found great joy in traveling the country in his motor coach with his wife—often seen towing his truck with his Harley-Davidson tucked in the truck bed. They eventually spent every winter at their home in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Closer to home, Jim loved spending time on the Great Sacandaga Lake; he enjoyed taking his grandchildren out on his boat for fishing trips and camping with them, creating memories that will last a lifetime. In Florida, he was legendary for modifying his golf cart to be the fastest in the park, a machine everyone recognized by the custom flames painted down the sides. When he wasn't tinkering in the garage, he could often be found cheering on his favorite team, the New York Yankees.

Even after his retirement, Jim’s work ethic never wavered. He took great pride in helping his sons build their own garbage business, constantly pushing them to do their best. He was a mentor at heart, always preaching that success only comes through hard work and dedication. He lived by the mantra he often shared with his sons: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” True to his character and his lifelong dedication to his trade, Jim often joked that if anything ever happened to him, he should be "packed off in the hopper of the garbage truck." To honor those wishes, his ashes will be placed in a miniature garbage truck in the hopper to be put to rest, a final nod to the business he built and the life he loved.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Phyllis Lombardi Horvath; his devoted son, James (Jim) G. Horvath II (Paola); and his cherished grandchildren, Lorenzo, Milana, Cyrus, and Zyia Horvath. He also leaves behind his sister, Kathy Horvath (Carol Lowenthal), and many other relatives, including several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son, Robert J. "Bob" Horvath.

All are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady, NY.

Interment will be held privately for the family at Sts. Cyril and Method Cemetery in Rotterdam, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-2.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now.