James Adam Salzmann

James ''Jim'' Adam Salzmann, 53, of Connelly, passed away suddenly, Tuesday evening, November 26 at the Health Alliance Hospital, Broadway Campus, Kingston. Born on August 23, 1960 in Kingston, he was the son of Harriet Morrissey Salzmann and the late Albert J Salzmann. Jim was a graduate of Kingston High School, class of 1979 and a proud member of the last undefeated KHS football team (he'd be the first to tell you). He pursued his college football career for one glorious semester at Central Connecticut State University before returning to Kingston where he met his wife Sue in 1980. He started his career in the retail wine industry at Miron Liquors in 1981. He then ventured out in 1998 with his family to establish The Merchant Wine & Spirits. Jim and his family spent months, personally renovating both the original and current store locations. Hard work and dedication are but two of the qualities of this gentle soul. His often imitated but never duplicated favorite line was "So many wines so little time." Jim was very proud of his children and as a father enjoyed the special relationship he had with each of them. He was a coach with the Agenas in the Kingston Area Football League for 20 years and also coached in the Port Ewen Athletic Association for t-ball. He coached his children's basketball teams in the PEAA, Kingston Biddy League, St. Mary's CYO and Kingston Komets. He respectfully declined the opportunity to coach his daughter's basketball teams.:) Jim is survived by his wife Susan Keller Salzmann whom he wed on July 24, 1982. Also surviving are his children Adam, Evan, Paige and Jacob, a granddaughter soon to be born and his dog Sophie. His mother Harriet Morrissey Salzmann, his Uncle Thomas "Rags" Morrissey and his wife Elaine, a brother Richard T. Salzmann and his wife Nancy, a sister Elizabeth "Betsy" Arlantico and her husband Patrick, his mother and father in law Joseph and Rosemary Keller, a sister in law Carol Keller and brother in law Joseph Keller, Jr. He is survived by his nieces and nephews: Emily Startz and her husband Thomas, Patrick Arlantico, Molly and Elizabeth Salzmann as well as many cousins. In addition, Jim was loved and respected by his "Merchant family" and many colleagues. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Presentation Church. There will be no calling hours. A public memorial and celebration will be announced at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the James A. Salzmann Fund to benefit the education of his children, Ulster Federal Credit Union PO Box 2310 Kingston NY 12402. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service. Light a candle in memory of Jim at www.KeyserFuneralService.com .