James’ Obituary QUEENSBURY — James Alan Conklin, 91, passed peacefully into Heaven, on Monday, January 28, 2019 at The Home of the Good Shepherd with his loving family by his side. Born February 25, 1927 in Glens Falls, N.Y., he was the son of the late Robert E. Conklin and Eliza N. (Roberts) Conklin. Jim had an older brother, Lawrence, who showed him the ways of the woods, hunting, fishing, and not getting lost.
Jim graduated from Glens Falls Senior High School in 1944. After he graduated, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
When he came home, he learned a trade at the college of hard knocks. Since his father was a licensed master plumber, he also became a licensed plumber in 1951. Jim worked for his father and for Call Hardware.
He started Conklin Plumbing and Heating Corp in 1954, then semi-retired in 1985. He spent his winters first in Florida and in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Summers were spent going to the camp at Indian Lake.
Many cherished memories with his family were created at this camp. Jim was a long-standing member of the Queensbury Lodge #121 F&AM, as well as a Past Master of Senate Lodge #456 F&AM. He was a Shriner of Oriental Temple #7.
He was proud to transport children in need of medical attention to the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. He enjoyed being a Keystone Cop at the many parades to raise money for the Shriners Hospital. Jim was a past president of Glens Falls Kiwanis from 1970 to 1971 with 26 years of perfect attendance.
He was also on the Salvation Army Advisor Board for several years. Jim lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed playing golf at the Bay Road Country Club with Ed Bartholomew and Ben Bardin.
He got his motorcycle license and bought himself a BMW. He received his pilot’s license and was a member of the Adirondack Flyers where he loved to fly especially to Martha’s Vineyard. He was a serious hunter and fisherman and he was a member of the Gooley Club.
He built two homes and remodeled the camp at Indian Lake and the former house at 43 Martell Road. He owned apartment houses in Glens Falls. He was an avid gardener.
He had his own garden at H.O.G.S. where he grew cherry tomatoes and green beans. He was a former member of Christ Church Methodist.
In 2006, Jim discovered the way to the Lord. In 2010 he was a Deacon at the Bay Road Presbyterian Church, and most recently joined Oneida Community Church. Jim felt his long life was due to never smoking and trying to follow the ways of the Lord.
On May 8, 2010, Jim married Audrey (Swift) Conklin at Bay Road Presbyterian Church. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be forever grateful for his advice and guidance. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother, Lawrence Hartman; his first wife of 61 years, Gloria (Landry) Conklin who passed away on September 29, 2009; his son, David Conklin; aunts, uncles, nieces and a nephew.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 8 years, Audrey (Swift) Conklin; a son, Alan (JoAnne) Conklin; daughters, Nancy (Mike) Hill, and Diane (Scott) Mundell; grandchildren, Bethany (Jason Hull), Mike Hill Jr., Emily (Matthew) Caves, Matthew Mundell, Jennifer Manak, and Christopher Conklin; great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Chloe Manak, Tristen and Wyatt Hitchcock, and Maliyah Caves; step-children, Michael Swift, David Swift, Daniel Swift, Derek (Lori) Swift, Diana (John) Swift D’Agata, Cynthia J. Praschnik, and Peter (Hedy) Swift. He is also survived by a niece, and nephews; a brother-in-law; step-grandchildren; and many dear friends. Calling hours will take place Friday, February 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.
A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Mark Bailey officiating. A graveside service will follow at Pine View Cemetery.
A special thank you to the staff at The Home of the Good Shepherd in Moreau, and to Dr. Petracca for their care and compassion. In loving memory of Jim, contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104, or to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 326, Glens Falls, NY 12801. Condolences and floral arrangements may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.
bakerfuneralhome.com.
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