HUDSON FALLS — James (Jim) Brunelle Sr., 83, passed away Friday, February 12, in Albany after a brief illness.
He was born Aug. 31, 1937 in Glens Falls to Harriet and Clifford Brunelle.
Jim and his loving wife Betty were married for over 62 years before her sudden passing March 24, 2020. She was the love of his life.
At a young age Jim worked as an usher at The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, later worked and retired after 43 years of service from Decora in Fort Edward, and in retirement worked at Magic Forest in Lake George and at Kingswood Golf Course in Kingsbury. His life-long dedication was to local fire companies. For 27 years he was a member of the Hudson Falls Fire Company as a lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief. He served the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company as a fire police captain for over 22 years. Jim and Betty’s dedication to local fire service continues today through their family.
Jim enjoyed watching game shows and old westerns, country music, square dancing, firemen’s parades, mardi gras, and banquets, collecting fire station patches from different states, clambakes, family cookouts and holiday dinners, bowling, camping, and spending time with his family.
Besides his wife Betty, he was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister Rose Irene, and a sister Jeanette Rivers.
Survivors include four daughters, Kathy Palmer (late Henry), Sue Studler (Andy), Pamela Brayton (Dan), Mary Chase (Nelson), all of Hudson Falls; and two sons, James Brunelle Jr. (Michelle) of Hudson Falls and Thomas Brunelle (Jenn) of Granville; his brother, Oliver (Ollie) Brunelle of South Glens Falls; sisters, Nancy Brunelle Black of Florida, Linda Havens of North Carolina, and Bette Lou Thomas of Hudson Falls; 15 grandchildren, Shaun, Heather, David, Beth, Colin, Dereck, Matthew, Ethan, Christopher, Emily, Abbie, Megan, Jenann, Kristen, Thomas, Jr.; 17 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021, at the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company, 7991 Burgoyne Ave, Hudson Falls. Masks must be worn and all Covid-19 restrictions will be observed.
Funeral services will follow the calling hours at 6 p.m. at the Hose Company.
A celebration of life for both Jim and Betty’s family and friends will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to the Kingsbury Volunteer Hose Company, 7991 Burgoyne Ave., Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
So sorry to hear the loss of your Loved one. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are sent to the Brunelle family
Sincerely
Al and Candy Huguely
Jim,Tom,Kathy.Sue,Mary,Pam, Sorry to here of your dad passing. I have many memories of marching in parades,bowing,having cook outs with both your parrents. They were great friends. Hank and Liz YOLE , Alva Fl.
To whole family
I’m sorry to hear about your dad passing
Emma Bennett-Montello
Mary – Thinking of you and sending thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincere sympathy for your loss.
Sue and family. I was so saddened by the news that you have now lost both Mom and Dad… I have fond memories of your Mom working at Angiodynamics with us! Always a smile…although I didn’t know your Dad I am sure he was the best! And we thank him for his service to the HFFD.
Please be comforted to know they are together now and forever! Prayers to you and yours.
Patti and Rocky Denino
We enjoyed having Jim at Magic Forest. Really nice guy.
Tom and family my sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time
Mary and family, I am so sorry for the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish all the great memories you have made over the years with your dad❣️
My deepest sympathies to the whole Brunelle Family. I remember Mr. Brunelle from when I was a little girl and my father was in the Kingsbury fire hose company with him. He was a great man who dedicated his time for others. Thank you ❤️
This is Charlotte Ricketts wanted to say that I’m very sorry for your loss he was a wonderful man I worked with him in Decora and I know his son James Burnell Junior he is going to a better place. He will be missed greatly