Aug. 25, 1947 – Feb. 7, 2013

James R. Kiel of Snyder, a lifelong resident of the Buffalo Niagara region who was vice president of a local manufacturing firm, died Thursday in Buffalo General Medical Center. He was 65.Born in Tonawanda, Mr. Kiel graduated from Kenmore West High School and went on to attend American International College in Springfield, Mass.Mr. Kiel was vice president of manufacturing for Niagara Machine and Tool Works, which was later known as Clearing Niagara, in Buffalo. He worked at the firm from 1965 until he retired in 1998.

Mr. Kiel was a Methodist. He enjoyed music, arts and travel.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa M.; a daughter, Jennifer A. Sander; and a son, Aaron J.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in John E. Roberts Funeral Home, 280 Grover Cleveland Parkway, Amherst