Herkimer: James L. "Jim" Emrich, age 74, of Lynch Road, town of Fairfield, a lifelong Herkimer resident, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at home. Jim was born in Little Falls on February 28, 1937, the son of the late Albert and Margaret (Sitek) Emrich. He was educated in St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, where he acquired his strong Catholic principles to which he adhered throughout his lifetime and was a graduate of Herkimer High School. Jim was a member of the United States Army and was honorably discharged on October 29, 1960. Jim worked for more than 30 years for New York State Department of Transportation as a Civil Engineer. A focused and dedicated public servant, Jim was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and its 4th Degree, a member of the Depression Boys, the Dayton Steamers Volunteer Fire Department, the Herkimer County Historical Society and a Life Member of the NYS Association of Transportation Engineers Inc. Brother Jim Emrich's record of service in Elkdom extends over 50 years. He became an Elk in the 40th Anniversary Class on October 4, 1962 and quickly joined several committees. By 1965 he was Inner Guard and started "through the chairs" becoming the Herkimer Lodge's 50th Exalted Ruler in 1972. He was a Certified Ritualistic Judge and became a full time participant in the Elks National Foundation, a program that was his pet. Jim's passion for the Elks was evident in his accomplishments, which included past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, past State Vice President, past Elk of the Year, past Exalted Ruler and past Trustee. As the lodge did not have a designated photographer among its officers, Jim served as the unofficial photographer over the years. He also served as a committeeman of the lodge sponsored Boy Scout Troop and was on the Northern District Executive Committee of General Herkimer Boy Scout Council. Jim's wonderful personality and gift of gab was evident to all who knew him. He was very generous, kind hearted and always had a joke or a piece of hard candy to give. Jim loved sports, especially golf, scratch-off tickets and most importantly, his family and friends. He will be missed by all. A very dedicated communicant of St. Francis de Sales Church, he served at one time on the Parish Council and as a lector and usher. Jim is survived by his brothers, Richard Smithson and wife Barbara of Ilion, Robert Smithson and wife Jane of Ilion, Ronald Smithson and wife Ann of Frankfort, Donald Emrich and wife Elizabeth of Herkimer and Gene Emrich and wife Virginia of Herkimer; his sisters, Maryann Jory and husband Bernard of Ilion, Marie Murphy of Ilion and Irene MacDougall and husband Warren of Rockledge, FL, and many, many special nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his sisters, Virginia (Jenny) Smithson and Dorothy Goodwin; a brother, Norman Emrich and a brother-in-law, Raymond Murphy. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, February 24, 2012 from 4-7 pm at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer (866-1011). His Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Reverend Mark Cunningham on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 10 am in St. Francis de Sales Church, N. Bellinger Street, Herkimer. Interment, with full military honors, will take place in the spring at Calvary Cemetery. The Herkimer Elks Lodge No. 1439 will conduct their ritualistic service at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6 pm. The Knights of Columbus will conduct a service at the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:30 pm. In Lieu of floral arrangements, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Francis de Sales School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family is being served by Harry J. Enea, Funeral Director. To add to Jim's online memorials, please our website at www.eneafamily.com.