Obituary of James A. Shea

Dateline: Gansevoort, NY James A. Shea, 68, of Gansevoort, NY died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Jim spent his early years in Cohoes, NY and later moved to Halfmoon. He attended Hudson Valley Technical Institute and served as PVT E-1, as a saxophonist in the 19th USA band in Vietnam in the mid-sixties. He is retired from NY State Thruway Authority and is the former family partner of Riverview Orchards, in Rexford, NY. Locally he worked with Mark Duckett of A&A Excavation, and for the past 10 years worked part time for the Town of Northumberland Highway Dept. Jim was involved in many area organizations and clubs; including Vischer Ferry and Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Departments, Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue, Adirondack Triumph Assoc., and the North Country Antique Tractor Club. He volunteered for many years at the Washington County Fair. He was well known in the area schools during fire prevention week. He loved interacting with the children and sharing his knowledge about fire safety to a generation of kids. Jim's family and friends were most precious to his heart. He was one of the most unselfish, caring and helpful gentleman you could ever meet. He would put his family and friends first. You could always count on him to help out no matter what the task at hand. It didn't matter what he planned or needed to do, if someone needed his help you could be sure Jim would be there ready to work. Jim was a huge help to the local community. Whether it was helping out at the firehouse breakfast, plowing the town roads with his partner Kerry "Peewee" Garnsey, or keeping the town parks in tiptop shape, Jim was always working to make our community a better place. In the springtime Jim took over the role of "Postal Container Replacement Specialist" repairing all the local mailboxes with his signature special paint; John Deere green and yellow. His love for animals was well known around town. He adopted any stray cat he came across and would trap a snapping turtle and release it on the other side of the river. He would rescue any animal large or small, be it a ladybug or a wayward bat. Jim looked out for their best welfare. He was famous for saying "this is our last cat" until another one came along. He will be missed by his kitties Louise, Grey, Woody, Rocky and his favorite "Little Angel." Jim is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Linda Shea of Gansevoort; his son Kevin, daughter-in-law Jennifer and beloved granddaughter Annika Lily Shea of Clifton Park. He is also survived by his brother Matthew T. Shea of Halfmoon and his step-daughter, Janet Beagle of El Sobrante, CA. Jim also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and his very special friend Kyle Howe of Gansevoort. Jim will be terribly missed, especially by his wife and very best friend, Linda, but you can be sure he is in a good place, because he is "one of the good guys." No words can describe how much we will miss him. God Bless you, Jim. We will be celebrating Jim's Life on Sunday, December 13, at the Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department, 1870 Route 32 in Gansevoort, NY 12831. Calling hours will be from 12:00 to 2:00pm. The celebration service will begin at 2:00pm followed by Jim's wishes for an Irish Shindig of food and drink!! Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to the Gansevoort Volunteer Fire Department or the Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue, PO Box 655, Warrensburg, NY 12885. To light a candle, visit us at www.mevecfuneralhome.com.