Obituary of James R. Pakenas

James R. Pakenas 61, of the Chestnut Hill Apts. Northampton Rd. passed away suddenly Saturday at his home. Born in Amsterdam on March 13, 1950, the son of the late Raymond and Janet Strevy Pakenas. Educated locally, he lived in this area his entire life. Jim was associated with his family's business "The Barge" in Fort Hunter for a time and later worked for Liberty and the Northeast Parent and Child Society in Schenectady. He retired in 2009 from the Office of Child And Family Services' Tryon Facility. He bowled with several leagues but his real passion was golf. Jim was a member of Muni in Amsterdam and spent many hours happily playing at the course with his buddies. He entered the US Navy for a period, and was a member of John J. Wyszomirski Post 701. He worked there for a time and volunteered delivering meals during the holiday dinners that the post hosted. He leaves his daughter Rachel E. Pakenas of Amsterdam; a son Ryan Pakenas of Gloversville; his brother Michael and his wife Jeanie Pakenas of Calabash, No. Carolina; his Strevy cousins and his wonderful golfing friends. A service to celebrate his life will take place Thursday at 11:00 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. Interment will follow with military honors in Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home where Post 701 will conduct a service at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Post 701 in care of the funeral home office.