James “Jim” Abt

James Richard Abt, 97 passed peacefully at Kingsway Manor on Monday, October 6th. “Jim” was born on September 19th, 1928, to Caroline (Hoefer) and William Frederick Abt in Woodlawn NY, where outside of winter escapes to West Palm Beach in his later years, he always called home. A storyteller at heart, he shared many tales of his early days in Woodlawn – helping the family dairy, dubious adventures with his friends, and loving memories with his siblings, Marguerite Leonard, William (Bill) Abt and Rose Ryan, all now deceased. One of his favorite stories was how he met the love of his life, Florence “Fudge” Young, when she moved to Woodlawn with her family in 1948. Fudge and Jim married in 1950 and spent 67 years building a life and family together until her passing in 2018. Together they raised three daughters, Nancy (David) Kniskern, Patricia (Jerry) Rossi and Barbara (Mark) Epting. Although they had no sons, they were blessed with six grandsons, something Jim absolutely delighted in – Brandon (Ali) Hudson, Michael (Jess) Riggins, Thomas Riggins, Patrick (Kelly) Kniskern, Nicholas Epting and Christopher Epting. They also welcomed four great grandchildren – Jack and Ryan Hudson and Nora and Parker Riggins.

Jim graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1946. He then began a 41-year career with Niagara Mohawk as a cable splicer. Niagara Mohawk proved to be like a second family, where he developed many lifelong friendships and cherished memories, several involving overtime emergencies and Hadlock camping activities.

Drafted from the Army reserves into active duty in 1953, Jim was stationed in Camp Gordon, Georgia. There he served as an Instructor in the Southeastern Signal School. He later went on to be promoted to Corporal (T) and earned the National Defense Service Medal.

Always a gentleman, yet full of fun and with an ever-present twinkle in his blue eyes, Jim will forever be remembered and held gently in the hearts of those he loved. His family and friends are better because of him and the stellar, quiet way he lived a life of faith, honor, integrity and joy.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, October 12th from 3pm to 5pm at Griswold Funeral Home, 1867 State St., Schenectady NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 13th at 11am at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2777 Albany St, Schenectady, NY. Burial will immediately follow at Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Joan Nicole Prince Home, 22 Glenview Dr, Scotia, NY 12302 or any charity that speaks to your heart.