FORT EDWARD
James H. Quackenbush, 73, of State Route 196, Town of Kingsbury, passed away after a courageous battle with COPD on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, with his family by his side.

Born on October 14, 1937 in Troy, NY, he was the son of the late George Alfred and Rosita (Aylward) Quackenbush.

Jim grew up in Mechanicville and Granville and attended schools in both cities.

He enlisted in the Navy and served his tour of duty in Maryland, the Mediterranean and Africa. On July 2, 1960 he married Rachel McCauley at the South Hartford Congregational Church and they settled in Hudson Falls. Last year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Jim was an auto body technician for many local dealerships, spending most of his career at Whiteman Chevrolet in Glens Falls. He owned and operated a motorcycle shop in Glens Falls in the 1970's where he built choppers and did custom painting and detailing on motorcycles for many years. After his retirement he opened the Slate Works Gift Shop which he ran out of his home where he would etch and sandblast his custom designed art onto slate.

Jim was an avid motorcyclist and was a Harley Davidson enthusiast for over 55 years. He and four "special" friends became known as "The Egg Salad Gang" and they traveled together on many bike trips. He loved his bike trips with Rachel and friends, antiquing, gardening and boxing matches. He was always ready to hear or tell a joke with everyone enjoying his quick wit and he was an inspiration to all with his positive attitude in all aspects of his life.

He was a President of the local Jaycees and a National Director of the NY State Jaycees. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 574 in Hudson Falls and was a founding member and the first director of the local chapter of the "American Legion Riders" and a long time parishioner of the South Hartford Congregational Church.

Survivors include his wife Rachel, his brothers Robert Quackenbush and his wife Sakae of Hawaii and John Quackenbush and his wife Mabel of Granville, and his nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends and family may call on Friday, April 22, 2011 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the M. B. Kilmer funeral Home, 82 Broadway Fort Edward, NY. E-mail condolences and the Book of Memories may be accessed at www.kilmerfuneralhome.com.

A Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00am on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at the South Hartford Congregational Church, Corner of Route 40 and Gilchrist Hill Road, South Hartford, NY with the Rev. Patti Girard, pastor, officiating.

Following burial at Morningside Cemetery, Hartford, NY, there will be a reception at the South Hartford Congregational Church House.

Donations in Jim's memory may be sent to The Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc, P.O. Box226, Schuyler Street, Fort Edward, NY 12828, the South Hartford Congregational Church, Main Street, Hartford, NY 12838, or COPD Foundation, 2937 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 302, Miami, Florida 33133.

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