Obituary of Donald James

Donald James, 83, of Morrow Rd., Amsterdam, passed away Wednesday evening July 22nd, 2009 at his home with his loving family at his side. Born in Amsterdam, NY on December 26th, 1925 a son of Jack and Marie Foth James. He was a lifelong area resident and attended local schools. Donald was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran serving during World War II. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received during combat and also was awarded a permanent citation of the Silver Star Medal for his gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands. He also participated in action on Peleliu Island. Don was employed for many years as a Machinist at the General Electric Company in Schenectady before retiring after 33 years in 1985. He was a communicant of St. Stephen's Church in Hagaman, NY. Don loved being with his family. He was a very talented handyman and could fix anything. He even built his own home and a home for his son. He enjoyed fishing and traveling to Myrtle Beach and to Florida. Don married Hulda R. Menge James on June 27th, 1954. In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Cynthia "Cindy" Clemens Bob of Fish House, NY. David James Martha of Richmond, VT. Kathy James of Salt Lake City, Utah, Susan James-Hard Douglas of St. Augustine, Florida. His beloved grandchildren, Joseph and Matthew Clemens, Christopher and Ashley James, Jason Rackowski and Michael Hard, Marc and Michelle James. His close relatives, Darlene and Clement Barker, Arbutis and Clyde Patterson, Madeline Burr, Christine Menge, Walter Gross and Phil and Carol Willett. Nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by a son Michael James in 1993. Funeral Services will be held on Monday July 27th, 2009 at 9:00A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00A.M. at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, Pawling St. Hagaman, NY with Father Martin DeRose as celebrant. Interment will take place in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY with full military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday July 26th, 2009 from 3:00 to 5:00PM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Church or to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, Manny's corners Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.