James T. Shea

Lake George, NY James T. Shea Jr. (Jim), 78, of Lake George passed away peacefully at home after a long, undiagnosed illness on January 17th, 2025. Jim had a total and complete love for his family, for whom he sacrificed much without a second thought. He was a hero to them, as he must of been for the many people he served in the City of Cohoes during his career as a Firefighter. Jim’s empathy and his natural inclination for easing the suﬀering of others overflowed into his everyday life. From organizing fundraisers for the Down’s Syndrome organization, AIM HIGH, to his animated activities in the town of Lake George dressing as Santa and Singing Sweet Caroline, to jumping in the lake for the annual Polar Bear swims, Jim was always a natural at lightening up our hearts. He was infamous at rehab and the hospitals for cracking jokes for the aides and nurses who attended to him over the last few years, always making light in moments of darkness. Jim loved being there for his children and grandchildren, encouraging their gifts, and attending every one of their events he could. He was a great cook, participating in the Bands and Beans chili cook oﬀ, making all the holiday meals, and contributing his famous deviled eggs to events in town. In his quiet moments he had taken time to teach himself pyrography and made hundreds of pieces. Born in Cohoes to the late James T. and Pearl (Marion Grogan) Shea, he is also predeceased by his beloved sisters Kathleen (Shea) Pardus and Maureen (Jane Shea) Shannon and sister in law Michele (Shelly LaFay) Ferraro. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, who he adored, Gale Diane (LaFay) Shea and their children: Bridgette Jude Shea of Saratoga Springs, and her partner Nathan D. Solomon; James (Jim) T. Shea, III of Albany and his partner Jen Smith; Samantha Jude Shea of Hilo, HI and her Fiancee Matt Bush; Roarke Callaghan Shea of Lake George, and his partner Victoria M. Tredici; Siomon Trevor Shea of Queensbury; and Trevor Siomon Shea of Lake George. His beloved grandchildren are Julia Kathleen Shea, Calliope Shea Solomon, Angelina Marie Shea, Cayden Michal Shea, and Jessie Xavier Shea. He is also survived by his brother, John Shea of Cohoes and his wife Sandra Shea, brother in laws John Pardus and Bill (John William) Shannon, Kelly Shea-Mohan and family, Kevin Shannon, Erin (Shannon) Reilly, Kim (Shea) Daley, MaryEllen (Pardus) Capasso, and Kathy (Pardus) Sample. Friends and Relatives may call from 4-7 pm this Friday, January 24th at Marra Funeral Home, 246 Remsen St. Cohoes, NY 12047. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 am Saturday, January 25th at Holy Trinity Church 122 Vliet Blvd. Cohoes, NY 12047. While flowers are appreciated, we encourage you to take a piece of Jim’s legacy with you. Always look for the silver lining, the hope, the joy, and take a moment to remember a poignant, crazy or fun Jim story, and share a toast in his honor. Slåinte!

James T. Shea

July 24, 1946 - January 17, 2025