James Leon Van Dusen

   James Leon Van Dusen, 81, Watertown and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away Wednesday morning, October 29, 2025, at the Residence of Hospice of Jefferson County with his loving family by his side.

   Jim was born in Watertown on April 12, 1944, to Leon B. and Genevieve M. (Kubinski) Van Dusen. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda A. Dasno, on May 21, 1966, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church and together they built a home filled with love and laughter with their two daughters, Mary Beth and Ann Marie. 

   He had a passion for cars and worked in the automobile industry his entire life. At the age of 18, he acquired his dealer’s license and started buying and selling cars on his own, and he began working days as a yardman at Quick Motors. In May of 1966, he started as a salesman with Northrop Motor Company in a career that excited him every day. He quickly learned the business and became known as the “Ford Guy”. He continued there for 22 years, being promoted to Used Car Manager and earning many awards from Ford Motor Company. In 1988, he went independent and opened Van Dusen Auto Sales on LeRay Street in Watertown. His shop became a gathering place for friends and fellow car buffs to share coffee and stories. In 2006, Jim “officially” retired and sold Van Dusen Auto Sales to his son-in-law and daughter but continued to play a supporting role.   

   His family was the only thing Jim loved more than cars. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He was so proud of his girls, their husbands and the beautiful grandchildren they brought to the family. Whenever they visited, he always kissed their head and offered a blanket to keep them warm – a standing family tradition. He taught his grandsons how to shake hands and maintain eye contact, as it conveys a message of confidence, trustworthiness and an equal relationship in the business world. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and often said, “he welcomed the privilege of babysitting them”. He played ball, rode bikes, gave boating lessons and he played dress up with Megan. He was so proud of the young adults they have become.   

   Jim also had a passion for the water and boating. He grew up at his parent’s cottage on Lake Ontario in Duck Harbor, Chaumont and then kept a boat at Keewaydin Marina on the St. Lawrence River for 33 years. He loved boating on “The River” and was a true River Rat, and he instilled this passion in both his daughters and grandchildren. In retirement, he returned to the lake, owning a cottage at Duck Harbor two down from the original homestead, and he established a second home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida overlooking a small lake. While in Florida, he continued to boat the intercoastal waterway for a period of time and he enjoyed his almost daily walks along the beach with his wife.

   Jim will be remembered for his smile, easy-going attitude and ability to tell a great story, leaving everyone laughing. He was known for his witty catch phrases, especially in regard to the car business, such as “I didn’t give birth to it”, “You’re not married to it” and “It’s time for someone else to enjoy”.  

   Jim was a life member of the Northside Improvement League and the Elks club and was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He was a volunteer at Sacred Heart Church in New Smyrna Beach where he cooked for Friday Bingo. He always enjoyed cooking and exploring new recipes.  

   Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda. His daughter Mary Beth and son-in-law Bill Putney and their children Megan and Johnathan; his daughter Ann Marie and son-in-law Matthew Saunders and their children Andrew and David: his sister Suzanna Saywer and brother Edmund (Carol) VanDusen; his sisters-in-law, Eleanor Ingoldsby and Mary Lou Van Dusen; his brothers-in-law Danny (Carolyn) Dasno and Bernard Buckingham; and several nieces and nephews. 

   He is predeceased by his parents; his sister Mary Buckingham; his brother Nelson Van Dusen; his sister-in-law and her husband Joan and Fred Cumoletti; and brothers-in-law Patrick Ingoldsby and John Sawyer.

   Calling hours will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown on Sunday, November 2, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church, Watertown on Monday, November 3, at 10:00 AM followed by burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Online condolences to James’ family can be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street or Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 321 W. Lynde St., both of Watertown, NY 13601 or Sacred Heart Church, 998 Father Donlon Dr., New Smyrna Beach FL 32168.

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