MIDDLEBURY — James (Jim) Robert Galenkamp, age 68, of Middlebury, Vt., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022, at home. Jim was born in Ridgewood, N.J., son of Harold and Betty Galenkamp. He was married to Judy McDonald.

Jim was a graduate of Ramapo High School, class of 1972. He grew up on his family farm, Sicomac Dairy, where he specialized in refrigeration. He went to school for HVAC/R, and eventually started Sunset Ridge Farm in Orwell, Vt. After moving to Vermont, Jim was a volunteer fire fighter and worked in HVAC/R at Agri-Mark Cabot and Middlebury College.

Jim enjoyed spending time with family, cooking, and working on his model railroad. He loved the outdoors, but only if it was under 60 degrees; petting dogs; and dancing around in the kitchen. He had a great sense of humor and would often tell his children when they were in distress that their woes could be cured by hanging upside down in the closet. He was a philanthropist who generously gave to many local organizations and charities.

Jim is survived by his spouse, Judy; daughters Amanda and her partner Jon and Laura and her husband Tyler; his son Kevin; his brother Ken of Wyckoff, N.J.; and his stepchildren, Colin and his wife Katie, Ian and his partner Kelley, Cameron and his wife Samantha, and Jill and her partner James.

Service will be private.

His family asks if you wish to donate in his memory, because he was such a lover of animals, please make a donation to Homeward Bound in Middlebury. ◊