James "Jim" R. Cookinham, 74, of Forestport, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. Jim was born in Utica on July 3, 1937, the son of Rose (Jones)Wiernicki and his stepfather Stanley Wiernicki. He was raised and educated in Utica, graduating from Utica Free Academy. On December 9, 1972, Jim married Jacqueline DeGrace. Mrs. Cookinham passed away in 2005. Jim had been employed with Gaetano Construction before becoming an Antique dealer. He greatly enjoyed wheeling and dealing in the antiquing business. Jim was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing and sitting out by a fire with his family and friends, especially with his granddaughter, Adrianna "Wiggle-Woggle". He was a founding member of the Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club, where he became close friends with John Landers, and enjoyed scratching his Lotto tickets with his friends at Bailey's. Jim is survived by six daughters and their spouses, Lynn Van Dyke-Lee and her husband, Djuan, FL, Karen and Steve Stout, FL, Patricia and Lou Leduc, FL, Debbie Garafola, FL, Michelle and Ron O'Dell, Utica, Kimberly and Andrew Artessa, Remsen; three sons, Dominick Manno, Seneca Falls, James Cookinham, Jr., Forestport, Chris Cookinham and his fiancee, Danya Cornelius, Utica; eighteen cherished grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Carol and Val Belanger, ME, Patricia Borden, ME; a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Judy Cookinham, Ilion. Jim is also survived by nieces, nephews, and dear family friends including, Brenda Nicotera, Joe DiNigro, and Tommy Carcone. Besides his wife, he is predeceased by a sister, Mildred Legacy, and two brothers, Peter Martin and Bill Hambin. Mr. Cookinham's funeral service will be held Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home, Wednesday evening, from 4 - 7 pm, prior to the service. Those wishing may donate to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. or to the Mohawk Valley Antique Bottle Club in Jim's memory. The family extend their thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Hospice Care, especially to Kathy and Joann for the care and kindness given to Jim and his family during this difficult time. Also thanks to the doctors and staff of Faxton-St. Luke's Regional Cancer Center for the care and compassion given to Jim.