Mr. Don James "Jim" Bacher

San José del Cabo, BCS, México – Mr. Don James “Jim” Bacher, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Utica, NY with his loving family by his side. It brought him great comfort to hear the Serenity Prayer and his favorite song, “Desperado” by the Eagles one last time before departing. Born in Fresno, CA, on December 3, 1945, Jim was the son of the late Donald James Bacher and Nona Jeanne DeJarnatt. His maternal grandparents, the late Benjamin Joseph "BJ" DeJarnatt and Hazel Bright, played a significant role in his upbringing. His grandfather was a prominent figure in his life, who he often went to for advice and always spoke fondly of. Jim was raised in Belvedere and attended the Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach. Jim later graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur. Immediately following high school, Jim joined the United States Army as a medical corpsman, primarily stationed at Fort Polk, LA. He later attended California State University - Fresno, where he studied marketing for several years. Jim was blessed to share a union with the late Nancy Loraine Wilcox, from which came his first-born daughter, Stephanie Jeanne “Stevie”, with whom he shared a lifelong bond. He was fortunate to find love again with Linda Jean Keeth, a relationship that brought the joy of his two youngest daughters, Jessicca Jeanne and Jamie Jeanne. Jim and Linda met in Mill Valley, California, where they worked next door to each other. Eventually, he asked her to dinner—and as they say, the rest was history. They loved spending time together dining out, boating, rollerblading, and bike riding. Linda’s love for Jim led her to move to San José del Cabo, Mexico with him, where they built a life together and raised their daughters. There, they continued enjoying their favorite activities, along with long family road trips, rides in the dune buggy, dining or coffee at “Mi Ensalada”, camping adventures, and going to the off-road desert races. Jim was a lifelong salesman, from his first job selling hot dogs at baseball games to electronics in the family business to yachts, medical insurance, and eventually real estate. He retired from selling real estate through his own business, Bacher Realty Advisors in Cabo, Mexico. Jim encouraged his daughters to live life to the fullest and with no regrets. Often referring to himself as the “Bionic Man,” who had broken nearly every bone in his body throughout his life, Jim was a true daredevil who had a passion for speed and adventure, whether behind the wheel of a car, on a motorcycle, or out on the water on a boat. With his sharp wit and fearless nature, Jim might as well have come with a warning label. Despite his many pursuits, he always hoped never to hurt anyone else in the process. He was a founder of the Alcoholics Anonymous chapter known as “Eye of the Hurricane” in Cabo, México, which was a big part of his life. He showed up every evening, no matter what, even if he was the only sponsor present, always ready to help the next member in need. Many of his sponsees credit their new lives to his unwavering support and sponsorship. He himself was about 40 years sober. A few years ago, Jim moved to New York Mills, NY to be closer to his daughters, Jessicca and Jamie, and to take life a little easier. He enjoyed watching football, Formula 1, or CSI / NCIS on TV, attending Utica Comets games, and visiting the Utica/Rome or Weedsport Speedways. He shared a special moment with his daughters when they took him to a 49ers vs. Eagles game on his 78th birthday—and he was ecstatic when the 49ers (his favorite team!) won. When sports weren’t keeping him entertained, Jim could often be found listening to music, enjoying a plate of meatloaf or some black licorice, and trying new restaurants in the area. Some of his favorites included Rosie’s Oriskany Diner and Joey’s 307. His daughters felt honored to care for him in his final years, and Jim was deeply proud of his children. Jim believed in a higher power and lived by the Serenity Prayer, which he recited daily throughout his life: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Jim is survived by his forever friend, Linda Jean Keeth; his daughters, Jessicca (Jonathan) Fiore, Jamie Bacher, Stephanie (Michael) Sutton, and Melissa Allyn Mills; grandchildren, Michael James, and Samantha Jeanne Sutton, Jordan Robert, Ryan Joseph, and Alyssa Allyn Mills; great-grandchildren, Eli James Chapin, and Emma Jeanne Chapin; niece, Carla June Walters and her children, Patrick, Jimena, and Bianca Walters. He was blessed with many friends and touched many lives across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. He was predeceased by his only brother, Larry J. “Lorenzo” Walters. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Laura and Kathy from the VA for their attentive care over the past couple of years, as well as to his friend Amal, and to the staff at St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Home and Wynn Hospital. In honoring Jim’s wishes, his family will honor and commemorate his life privately at a later date. In lieu of floral offerings, please share a memory and pay it forward in a way that you see fit in Jim’s honor. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Don James "Jim" Bacher

December 3, 1945 - May 21, 2025