Hallenbeck, James Philip

It is with greatest sorrow that we announce the sudden and tragic death of our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, James Philip Hallenbeck, of Rochester, NY, on August 21, 2022.  James was born October 3, 1992 in Rochester.  He is survived by his parents, Stephen and Carol Hallenbeck; his brother, Zachary Hallenbeck; his maternal grandparents, Keith and Lois Snyder; his paternal grandparents, Frank and Sylvia Hallenbeck; his aunts: Patti (Bruce) Blaine, Jannette Avery, Viqui (Steve) Potter, Linda (Tom) Liddle; his cousins: Jon (Erin) Avery, Allison (Cruz) Esquit, Robyn Avery, Nick Liddle, Kate Blaine, Martha Liddle, Rachael Potter, and Allison Potter . 

He is a graduate of Fairport High School and received his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Roberts Wesleyan College. He was a Fermentery and Marketing Manager at Small World Food for the past eight years and could often be found at the Rochester Public Market.  Earlier this month he led a workshop on Basic Lacto-Fermented Vegetables at the FLX Fermentation Fest at Cummings Nature Center.  In addition, for the past four years he handled construction, engineering, and maintenance in the renovation of a former oil refinery near his home. 

His love was music.  He wrote music and performed in several bands.  He shined on keyboards and accordion, but contributed on other instruments as well.  Recently, he wrote, produced, and performed an entire album, Enemy of the Rose.   

He also loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, and hanging out with his many friends around his firepit.  He loved to experiment with recipes and desired to one day open his own vegan restaurant in the neighborhood where he lived and was eventually killed in a senseless act of violence. 

He generously gave to those in need and was loved by everyone who knew him. 

Calling Hours are Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm at the Keenan Funeral Home 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd. (Egypt Location), Fairport, NY 14450. Memorial Service will be celebrated on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 11am at Edgewood Church, 111 E. Jefferson Rd., Pittsford, NY 14534.  In lieu of flowers, and because of James’ concern for the homeless, please consider making a donation to the Open Door Mission https://opendoormission.com


Comments

35 responses to “Hallenbeck, James Philip”

  1. Brian Goss Avatar
    Brian Goss

    I’m so incredibly saddened by your tragic loss. Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with Steve and Carol and the family. May God carry you when you are too weak to stand.

  2. Nancy Ingalls Avatar
    Nancy Ingalls

    It is with a heavy heart to have learned about James. Know I am praying for you. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28. – Nancy and David Ingalls

  3. chris dalcin Avatar
    chris dalcin

    Terrible saddened to hear this. I’ll never get over this terrible loss. He was a super special human

  4. Kevin Austin Avatar
    Kevin Austin

    So very tragic. There really are no words. I’ll be praying for God’s peace for you all.

  5. Rick Mann Avatar
    Rick Mann

    In the presence of angels, a part of the great cloud of witnesses, face to face with the King of kings – your son is home with Jesus. Praying the Lord will surround you with His peace and comfort during this difficult time.

  6. Marie Gallo-Arevalo Avatar
    Marie Gallo-Arevalo

    A loss and heartache I could not imagine…I am so sorry. We send our heart felt thoughts and prayers to you all.

  7. Mike Nolan Avatar
    Mike Nolan

    I don’t know what to say. I remember hanging out at your house and rocking out playing guitar hero, wearing wigs with your little brother when we were kids. Buying lighters at 7-11 and burning leaves. I remember stumbling around Rochester drunk with Jayson and Glebov and spotting you on your bike and how easy it was reconnecting after so much time like little had changed. I know you and your wife were going to visit Glebov in Moscow before travel got so hard. We actually received our Russian visas around the same time and for a minute I was excited that our paths might cross. All this time and it felt like we both grew up into different people but in many ways more similar. I have no words. I hope that we can make you proud, that we can love each other more, and that you can rest in peace knowing we will make this world a better place.

  8. Beth Stark Avatar
    Beth Stark

    Sending love to each of you. My heart hurts for the loss of James. Praying that Gods comfort will be enveloping you through this very, very difficult journey.. Many prayers. Beth

  9. Rev. Greg Kremer Avatar
    Rev. Greg Kremer

    I am so deeply sorry for this tragic loss. May God comfort your souls.

  10. Rev Abi John Avatar
    Rev Abi John

    My sincere condolences and prayers for the family and friends. May God comfort us during this time of loss.

  11. Jo Rieley Mentz Avatar
    Jo Rieley Mentz

    I can’t imagine your family’s pain and I certainly wish your family had never been touched and forced to live your life without James..
    I met James through my son Brady. And I am the better for it.
    He was so talented , kind , and always with a smile…
    I’m thinking of your family and wishing you calm seas .
    Love never ends.

    1. Carol Hallenbeck Avatar
      Carol Hallenbeck

      Thank you, Jo. We are comforted by our memories and the genuine tributes of those James touched with his life.

  12. Lisa Kuhmann Avatar
    Lisa Kuhmann

    James was always such a kind and friendly person. I am so sad for his family and friends that he was taken so tragically and so soon.

  13. Howard Reitz Avatar
    Howard Reitz

    I am so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time

  14. James Yaw Avatar
    James Yaw

    I was saddened to hear about the loss. We have a hope of eternity with the Lord, but it is still hard. May everyone be comforted during this time. I will surely miss James.

  15. Steven Kraft Avatar
    Steven Kraft

    To the Hallenbeck family , I wish to express my deepest condolences. Your James was one of those unique individuals whose presence was golden. Every time I saw him, he had a calming energy. James was kind, humble, and warm. One can only imagine your sense of loss. Please know he will be missed.

    As a neighbor I am upset and unsettled to hear about this tragedy. Rochester has lost a wonder. I am praying there will be some justice for this man.

    1. Carol Hallenbeck Avatar
      Carol Hallenbeck

      Thank you, Steven. This world has truly lost a very special man. Take care and be safe.

  16. Ellen Smith Avatar
    Ellen Smith

    My condolences to family and friends. James tuned up our 100 year old player piano, and I was so impressed that some loved and appreciated this unique historic instrument as much as I did. He is what makes living in Rochester a place we call home, because of his genuineness , and love for our community. Again I am sorry for your loss of family member and friend.

    1. Carol Hallenbeck Avatar
      Carol Hallenbeck

      Thank you for sharing your experience with James. He was a bright light in the lives of so, so many. I pray that everyone he touched will carry that light into the world as their tribute to his life lost much too soon.

  17. Kitty Rossetti Avatar
    Kitty Rossetti

    What an enormous loss fir your family. My heart breaks for you all.

  18. Sheila Cocilova Avatar
    Sheila Cocilova

    Zach, I am so very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your brother, James. While I didn’t know him, it sounds like he was such a gift to the world. Sending your family love at this difficult time.

    1. Zach Hallenbeck Avatar
      Zach Hallenbeck

      Thank you Mrs Cocilova, this really means a lot to me

  19. Philip Yawman Avatar
    Philip Yawman

    May the Lord’s boundless love surround all of you. May the happy memories of music coming from the third floor remind us of his creativity and great concern for our planet. Phil Yawman

  20. Dave and Pat Hilton Avatar
    Dave and Pat Hilton

    So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

  21. Rev. Dan Pope Avatar
    Rev. Dan Pope

    I am deeply saddened by your tragic loss. I pray that you may feel God’s love in your grief.

  22. Ron and Lana Foster Avatar
    Ron and Lana Foster

    We are heartbroken for your family and our prayers and love are with you as you go through this season of grief.

  23. Words can’t express the sorrow I feel. I booked James first show and seen his talent grow. I still remember that first gig and remember how tight Thay we’re as a young act which is a rareity. I’m grateful to have known someone who was purely a genuine person. He will be sorely missed

  24. Zach Reeb Avatar
    Zach Reeb

    Im so sorry to James’s family. I wish i could have stayed later at calling hours. I wish I could have been a closer friends. Much love to all effected by this tragic loss.

  25. Eloise & Mike Myers Avatar
    Eloise & Mike Myers

    Our hearts ache when we think of all your family has been through. The world needs more good people like James!

  26. I didn’t realky know James. My friend and I met him for the first time at the Cummings Nature Center Fermentation Festival a few weeks ago. We were both very impressed with him and the products he sold.

    You can only imagine my shock when she texted me yesterday about what happened to him. And after reading about all his talents and the comments from people who really knew him – I was overwhelmed with a sense of loss for someone I hardly knew.

    I can’t imagine that anyone ever recovers from a loss like this. I just hope that the joy from having known a person like James can overpower the grief of his loss.

    Pete

  27. Paul West Avatar
    Paul West

    Carol & Family – my deepest condolences to your family. May you find peace in the differences he made in the lives of others and those in need. A hero!
    (from your former colleague at Nothnagle)

  28. GAIL Snyder McBride Avatar
    GAIL Snyder McBride

    i am so sorry.There are no adequate woords. talking to cousin Keith and reading the comments James was exceptional young man. my your faith give yo you comforf..ents

  29. Carol Hallenbeck Avatar
    Carol Hallenbeck

    Thank you, everyone, for your condolences and memories posted here. We will continue to visit this site and will continue to read and find comfort in tributes posted thus far and in the weeks/days/years to come by those whose lives James has touched with his quick smile, generous spirit, and genuine kindness. Take James’ example with you every day and make this world a brighter place in his honor. <3

  30. Cindy Blair Avatar
    Cindy Blair

    Dear Carol and family~ I just heard that this senseless and tragic loss was your beloved son. Godspeed to all of your hearts, May James’ memory continue to be for many blessings,

  31. Pauline Buck Avatar
    Pauline Buck

    Our love and prayers surround the whole Snyder/Hallenbeck family at this painful experience in your life. Only eternity will unveil the results of James’s short life. Hold fast to God’s Unchanging Love.