HUDSON FALLS – James E. “Jim” Stark, 72, of Hudson Falls, passed away, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Samuel S. Stratton, VA Medical Center.
Born on July 4, 1947, in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Earle and Florence (Monahan) Stark.
Jim joined the US Marine Corps following high school in 1965 where he proudly served his country honorably until 1973. Jim was a Sargent during his multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. While serving his country, he met and married his lifelong partner, Lance Corporal Janet Koester, on January 15, 1972. They settled in Jim’s hometown of Hudson Falls to raise a family where Jim began his 21 year career in roofing at Monahan-Laughlin. Jim persevered through a spinal cord injury leveraging his fantastic sense of humor and continued to seek joy in family, sharing fond memories of his time in the service and woodworking. His passion for woodworking was only matched by the amount of sawdust he created and he often built furniture for those who needed it and “rehabbed” roadside finds, AKA “roadkill”. He cared very much about his children’s education and was proud of their accomplishments.
Jim was also proud of his Irish heritage and large family whom he loved greatly. He had a huge heart and when he put his mind to something, no matter the challenge, he never let anything stand in his way, even when he could no longer stand on his own feet.
Jim was an active life member of both the Marine Corp League, Memorial Detachment #2 and the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574. Jim also participated in a number of other volunteer organizations servicing his community.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Joseph Stark and granddaughter, Brittany Smith.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Janet Stark of Hudson Falls; his two grateful children, Daniel Stark and his wife, Mary Jane of Webster and Diane Smith and her husband, John of Hudson Falls; his grandchildren, Sean Stark, Cole Stark, Connor Stark, Sean Smith and his wife, Alishia, Connor Smith and Henri Wilson; his great grandchildren, Hayden Smith, Liam Smith, Rileigh Smith, Alexzander Benson and Wyatt Benson; his supportive brother, John Stark and his wife, Elaine of Queensbury; his sister-in-law, Kathy Stark of Kingsbury; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call to share memories and condolences on Saturday, November 9th, 2019, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
The Rite of Committal with military honors provided by Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574 will follow the calling hours at Southside Cemetery in the town of Moreau.
A celebration of Jim’s life is to be held at the Fort Edward Rescue Squad at 12:30 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave, Albany, NY 12208.
