James (Gus) Engler, Sr., 80, of Deerfield passed away on Wednesday March 2, 2011 at the Heritage Healthcare Center in Utica. Gus was born in Utica on November 23, 1930 the son of August W. and Lorice V. (Frechette) Engler. He was a 1950 graduate of Utica Free Academy and later attended the IBEW Apprenticeship School. During the 1950's Gus served in the Navy Reserves with the Seabee's. At Sacred Heart Church, Utica on May 22, 1954 Gus was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Cox a blessed union of 47 years until her death on September 22, 2001. For over 50 years, Gus was the owner/operator of Engler Electric in Utica. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph-St. Patrick's Church, Utica, a member of American Legion Post #229, Knights of Columbus #189, UFA Alumni Association, I.B.E.W. and National Electrical Contractors Association where he served on many joint committees and was an Eagle Scout and past troop leader for North Utica Explorer Post #72. Most important in Gus's life were his grandchildren. He derived great joy in watching their various sporting events and being their #1 Fan. Gus also loved animals and spending time in the Adirondacks at the family camp at Little Long Lake. Gus is survived by two daughters, Janice Zammiello, Whitesboro and Lyn Engler Hood, Buffalo, NY, one son and daughter-in-law, James A. and Jean Engler Jr., Deerfield, eight grandchildren, Theodore Zammiello, Sarah Zammiello, Katilyn Hood, Sabrina Hood, Andrew Hood, James Engler III, Matthew Engler and Danielle Engler, and sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws, Patricia Cox, Whitesboro, Betty Hennessy, Whitesboro, Margaret and Neil Waterman, Whitesboro, Dewey Cox, South Utica, Joan Riemenschneider, Whitesboro and Tom Cox, CA. Gus was predeceased by brothers-in-laws, Robert Cox, John Cox and Jack Hennessy. Mr. Engler's funeral will be held on Saturday March 5, 2011 at 8:45 am from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd. North Utica and at 9:30 am at St. Joseph-St. Patrick's Church, Utica. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday (today) from 5 - 9 pm . Those so wishing may make donations to the Boy Scouts of America, Revolutionary Trails Council or the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Department in Gus's memory. The Knights of Columbus will meet at the funeral home at 5:30 and American Legion Post #229 will meet at 7:00.