John James Sanders

JOHN JAMES SANDERS
July 29, 1965 - June 5, 2026

ESPERANCE, NY - John James Sanders, 60, passed away at his home in Esperance, New York, on June 5, 2026. His wife, Vanessa, was by his side.

John was born in Ilion, New York, on July 29, 1965, to Luke John Sanders and Mary Ellen ("Kitty") Gerling. He was raised in part by his grandmother, Florence H. Sanders, whose influence helped shape the man he would become. He was also blessed by the love and support of the Reid family throughout his life.

John learned the value of hard work at an early age, beginning at just nine years old, and carried those lifelong lessons with him throughout his life. One of his first employers told him that if he could be 15 minutes late, he could be 15 minutes early, and he never forgot those words. By the age of 15, he had learned to drive a truck and later traveled across the country during his years as a truck driver.

After completing High School in Frankfort, John moved to Saratoga Springs in 1984, where he met his dearest friend, Billy James.

In 1988, he met the love of his life, Vanessa Sanders. Together they shared a remarkable and enduring love story that will continue beyond his lifetime. They were officially married on December 9, 2012 at the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs.

John began his career in the automotive industry in 1991 and steadily advanced to become Service Manager at New Country Lexus of Latham. During more than two decades there, and throughout his many years in the industry, he formed lasting friendships and earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike. He was a mentor and father figure to many and took great pride in knowing he had made a positive difference in their lives.

John loved the outdoors and shared countless adventures throughout New York and across the country with Vanessa and his stepdaughter, Samantha Rosenbaum. Together they created memories that will be cherished forever. His favorite journeys included trips to Oregon to see his daughter, Samantha Ablott, and his granddaughters; visiting Italy with his wife; and going to London with his wife and son, Luke.

Throughout his life, he carried on the fishing tradition that he shared with his father from a very young age, and thoroughly enjoyed time spent on the Salmon River fishing with his dear friend, Kevin Clarke.

John was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren: his daughter, Samantha Ablott, her husband, Mike Ablott, and their children, Emma, Annabelle, and Bexley; his son, Luke Sanders; his daughter, Julia Sanders; and his stepdaughter, Samantha Rosenbaum.

Above all else, John valued love and family. His final wish was that those he loved keep him in their hearts.

His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so completely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

His funeral will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM in the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes (628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY)
Calling hours will be Saturday 1-4 PM at the funeral home.

His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to his childhood friend, Vincent Iocovozzi of the V.J.Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. Frankfort.

Expressions of sympathy may be placed on John's online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com.