James W. Haenlin

James W. Haenlin, 84, of Aurora NY, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness, on Thursday October 23, 2025. He was born and raised in Oneida NY in 1941, the second son of the late Everett Haenlin and Anna Haenlin née Duffy.

Jim had a very diverse and rich life. He studied American Literature at SUNY Albany, before spending three years in the Army in Berlin. To improve his German, he enrolled in the Goethe-Institute in Freiburg where he met Lydie Goujon who would become his wife in 1968. They moved to Buffalo NY where he obtained a Masters degree in Comparative Literature. In 1971 they settled in Aurora, Jim taught English and wrote for the Auburn newspaper, The Citizen. While Lydie was busy teaching at Wells College, Jim cared for their young son, Matthieu. Soon thereafter he earned his Masters Degree in journalism at the Newhouse School of Public Communications in Syracuse, then became a partner and writer in an advertising agency in Ithaca. He also managed and maintained a few income properties.

His interest for woodworking and background working at his father’s lumber yard led him to switch to carpentry in his early fifties. During that time he satisfied his love for writing by publishing The Cricket, a monthly local newspaper which offered articles written by talented neighbors and friends, for five years. In 2000, he began to spend more time in France, and started translating the work of the brilliant Senegalese poet, Amadou Lamine Sall whom he had met in Senegal. Jim had discovered a new passion: translating poetry and publishing bilingual editions. A dozen books from eight French-speaking poets and writers attest to his remarkable talent and dedication.

Jim was a loving husband, father, and faithful friend. He was well known in his community for his witty and sarcastic humor, but also his spirit and enlightening conversations.

He is survived by his wife; his son Matthieu (Erin); his two grandchildren, Coco and Charlie; his sisters, Barbara Swissler (Tom) and Margaret Rickert; his sister-in-law, Ann Litke; and his 5 nieces.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on November 1, 2025 at 3pm, with reception to follow, at the United Ministry of Aurora.  

"In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to Hospice of Central New York and the FingerLakes, or the United Ministry of Aurora."

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