GANSEVOORT -
James A. Dow, 84, of Gansevoort, NY went peacefully into the arms of the Lord at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, April 15, 2010.

Born January 13, 1926 in Northumberland, NY he was the son of the late James N. and Cora (Walker) Dow.

Jim was a part of the Greatest Generation serving his country in World War II until being honorably discharged as a corporal from the United States Army.

On August 2, 1946, at a ceremony at the Methodist parsonage in Gansevoort, he married the woman he would be with for the next 63 years, Miss. Anna Hanna.

Jim was an active and vital member of the Fortsville United Methodist Church. A lifelong member and former trustee, he was instrumental in the funding and building of the fellowship area; he also participated as an usher and greeter.

Jim was a hard working man. A farmer by day all his life, he worked evenings at NIBCO in South Glens Falls retiring from his supervisor position in 1987 after 37 years of service.

A gentle man who was loved and respected by all who knew him; quiet, though his blue eyes spoke volumes, Jim’s favorite past time was to sit on his porch with a cup of coffee and his children and just “be”. It brought him immense pleasure to spend time with his children and grandchildren taking the time to enjoy each other’s company.

Jim loved to tinker in his basement woodshop, building little rocking chairs for beanie babies, bluebird houses, chairs made from clothes pins, picture frames, clocks, stools, and countless other things. He also had the ability to fix anything or build something from nothing.

He also loved motorcycles and was a lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association.

Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by four siblings: Julia Kingsley, Duncan Dow, Nelson Dow, and Gladys Zwijacz.

Survivors besides his wife of 63 years include his children and grand children: Kathy Milano and her husband Vincent of Gansevoort; Nancy Dow of Browns Mills, NJ; Patty Giammatteo and her husband Neil of Wilton; William Dow of Gansevoort, his children: Dawn Peets of Greenwich, Dustin Dow of Clifton Park, Danielle, Jimmy, and Kaitlyn of Gansevoort; David Dow of Gansevoort; Theresa Saffold and her husband Paul of Inwood, WV, her son Andrew of Arizona; Phyllis Riccio and her husband Frank of Queensbury, and their children: Phillip, Catherine, and Dominick; and Matthew Dow of Gansevoort; four great-grandchildren: Amber, Jaelyn, Kylie, and Amiah; four siblings: Martha Durkee, Betty Robinson, Sarah Saunders, and Walter Dow. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on the family from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the M.,B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 136 Main St. South Glens Falls, NY 12803. To send expressions of sympathy, please visit our web site : www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be conducted 11 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 2010 at the Fortsville United Methodist Church, 402 Fortsville Road, Gansevoort, NY with Rev. Paul Dufford(pastor) and Rev. Robert Jeffers, officiating.

Burial will follow in Griswald Cemetery, Town of Moreau.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to The Fortsville United Methodist Church 402 Fortsville Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831.

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