Jim Gometz

BAKERSFIELD - Karl James Jim Gometz, age 67, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday morning May 23, 2007. Since February, he has been extremely committed to a healthier life style and had been very successful. His family will be forever grateful and proud of his commitment, but, unfortunately, his workout ended all too soon.
\tHe was born August 4, 1939 in Hartford, CT the son of the late Karl & Janice (Orr) Gometz.
\tJim was a 1957 graduate of Simsbury High School in Simsbury, CT and a 1962 graduate of the University of Connecticut and member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Upon graduating Jim worked for Agway formerly GLF in Pennsylvania and New York transferring to Vermont in 1968 and after 23 years with Agway he established Mountain Valley Restoration which he owned and operated with his son, Rick. In 1993 he began his employment with Champlain Valley Exposition (CVE) in Essex Junction. Jim was very dedicated to his work at the CVE as the Director of Operations. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family - especially his grandchildren. He loved to travel with his wife, and could occasionally be found at a casino or scratching off a ticket or two, which led him to winning a fishing boat that has been greatly enjoyed by his whole family at Fairfield Pond. While there will not be a day he wont be thought about, he will be greatly missed this year at Kanes graduation, and Ricks upcoming wedding.
\tJim began his military career serving with the U.S. Army from 1962-63 and was a graduate of the Empire State Military Academy at West Point receiving his commission as 2nd Lieutenant serving several years in the New York Army National Guard being honorably discharged with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
\tJim was a member of the American Legion Post # 91 of Colchester, the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, and in 2004 became a member of the Vermont State Guard and was promoted to the rank of Full Bird Colonel last Wednesday
\tHe is survived by his wife, Ginny (Davis) Gometz of Bakersfield. They were married May 4, 1963. He is also survived by his children, Nancy LaRose and her husband Shawn of Waterville, Karen Ovitt and her husband Brian of Bakersfield, Rick Gometz and his fiance Carol Gover of Knoxville, TN, and Rollin Miller and his wife Jeeup of Bangkok, Thailand; his grandchildren, Kane & Keith LaRose, Katie & Kyle Ovitt, and Samantha Gover; his mother-in-law, Ruth Davis of Richford. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Lenora Doty.
\tA memorial service will be held Sunday, May 27, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Bakersfield Congregational Church with Rev. Sue Marie Baskette officiating. Interment will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bakersfield.
\tVisiting hours will be held Saturday from 5-8 PM at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.
\tFor those who wish contributions in Jims memory may be made to Friends of the Opera House, P.O. Box 1250, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450 or to the charity of ones choice.