GRESENS, James “Jim”

July 20, 1943 – September 4, 2026

After a long health struggle, Jim passed peacefully at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital surrounded by his family and friends. Born in Rochester, NY on July 20, 1943 he was the son of the late Harold and Anne Gresens; beloved father of Aaron and the late Amanda; soulmate and the love of life of Patricia Gillen; former husband of Marsha Gresens. Jim was so proud of his late daughter Amanda when she followed in his footsteps to become a lawyer; and, he was equally proud of his son Aaron, a licensed neurologic chiropractor in Charlotte, NC.

After Jim’s father passed away when Jim was age 9, he lived with his mother Anne and his Aunt Inez. Having been raised by two women, Jim joined the Marines after high school. He served for 3 years and upon his honorable discharge, he enlisted in the New York State Troopers. He served with the NYS Troopers for about 10 years, working full-time and attending the University of Buffalo. He achieved his bachelor’s degree in 3 years. Jim then took a leave of absence from the NYS Troopers to attend UB Law School. He graduated second in his class.

Jim was a partner at several of Buffalo’s best law firms. In 1997, he and Patricia (Pat) formed Gresens & Gillen, LLP, a long-time dream of his. For 10 years, Gresens and Gillen thrived and established itself as a construction law boutique. Jim’s motto was “always have a sense of humor”, because you’re going to need it. In 2008, Jim rejoined the firm Duke, Holzman, Yaeger & Photiadis, LLP for the third time! He and Pat and their right hand, Faith Carberry, moved the entire firm and staff and the firm honored him by adding his name to the firm; Duke Holzman Photiadis & Gresens, LLP. Though he retired as a partner in 2023, he continued to assist clients and the firm’s attorneys and staff. Jim was a fierce construction litigator, but always a gentleman. He served as counsel to the NYS General Building Contractors for many years. He was loved and respected by many judges, lawyers, clients and friends.

Jim also taught NY Civil Practice at the UB Law School for many years. He resigned from that position in 2016. He also earned his third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do at Master Gorino’s Tae Kwon Do school, owned by his “male soulmate” and friend of 40 years, Chuck Gorino. Many of his friends came to visit him in his last days, including John Tracy, a lawyer-buddy of 40 years who flew from Tennessee just to see Jim.

In Jim’s later years, when he could slow down from the practice of law, he and Pat traveled to Aruba, Stratford, Las Vegas and Europe, sometimes alone with Pat or together with Pat’s brother Jim and his wife Janice. For the last 4 years, he and Pat spent several winter months in Florida where he could ride his trike every day of the week.

Jim’s dry sense of humor, sharp intellect and wit and his gentle manners were his hallmark traits. Jim loved his family and friends, loved the law, Tae Kwon Do, traveling, running, cycling and working out as often as possible with Chuck G. or Pat. He loved to ride his recumbent trike on the Amherst bike path just to see the variety of wildlife on his ride. He worked out 7 days a week; especially after his illness so that he could continue to enjoy life. He never gave up. For those of us who knew and loved him, we were blessed to have him in our lives. Everyone who came to see him or reached out to him, let him know how much he was loved and appreciated.

Funeral services will be held privately with the family. Share condolences at wendelandloecherinc.com.