James Wilson

James Edward (Jim) Wilson passed away on December 28, 2023 in Ulster Park, NY at the age of 83 surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Jim was born in Auburn, NY to Forrest and Margaret Wilson. After graduating high school in 1958 from East High, Jim went on to serve for four years in the United States Army. Later, he moved to Albany, NY where he met and married his wife of 52 years, Emmi, in 1969. They settled in Scotia, NY where they raised two children.

Jim was a science teacher at Ballston Spa Middle School for over 30 years. His strong Catholic faith and belief in serving others led him to volunteer in numerous places throughout the Capital region. He spent hours with residents at the Glendale Nursing Home every Sunday for five years and served food at the Schenectady City Mission. After retiring from teaching, Jim loved maintaining planes at the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Glenville.

After the events of 9/11, Jim became one of the founding members of the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. He joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary and, in 2008, became a qualified air observer. He served with Flotilla 15-09 for 16 years before moving to Port Ewen, NY.

Jim will be remembered for his love of learning, jokes, dogs and ice cream; his kindness to others; and his constant faith in God that overcame many difficulties in life. He is survived by his brother, Joe, of Rochester, NY; his son, Stephen Wilson of Orlando, FL; his daughter, Eva Brown, of Winter Springs, FL; his four grandchildren, Reagan, Charlotte, Owen, and Vivian; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 216 Broadway, Port Ewen, NY 12466 where family and friends may visit on Wednesday, January 3, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, January 4 at 10am at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 160 Broadway, Kingston, NY, 12401. Burial will follow in New Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 15-09 in NY at https://www.flipcause.com/hosted_widget/hostedWidgetHome/MTIyNjY0 

A tribute for Jim can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com