James F. Aiken

Whitehall-James Francis Aiken, 81 of Whitehall passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 3, 2022 at his home.  Born on July 14, 1940 in Whitehall, he was the son of Richard C. and Evelyn (LaMore) Aiken.  He graduated from Whitehall High School in 1957 and was a 1963 Graduate of Castleton Teacher’s College, majoring in Education.  After graduating, he began his teaching career in the Salem, NY school district.  Shortly thereafter, he was able to take a position at the Whitehall Jr. Sr. High School where he taught for 30 years.

A lifelong Whitehall resident, Jim dedicated his life to family and to serving his community.  He was a member of the Jaycees, charter member of the Skenesborough Volunteer Fire Company, charter member of the Skenesborough Rescue Squad, co-chair of the Whitehall Canal Festival Committee for over 30 years.  He served on the Whitehall Town Board, was a member and President of the Whitehall Historical Society and was a steadfast supporter of many other community related activities throughout his years. Jim enjoyed fishing on Lake Champlain and especially ice fishing on South Bay.  He was a Detroit Red Wings fan and a season ticket holder for the Adirondack hockey teams in Glens Falls.  He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school, sports and musical events.  Jim also had a love of music which he shared with his wife, Sandra: he was a founding member of Our Lady of Angels men’s choir, provided karaoke experiences at local coffee shops and senior centers, and participated in the Adirondack Voices community choir in Glens Falls, which had their most recent performance in December of 2021.

Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by two brothers, R. Wyman Aiken and William L. Aiken, and two sisters, G. Lorraine Mahar and Andrea M. Aiken.  Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Sandra (Clark) Aiken, son James R. Aiken and wife Heather of Gansevoort, NY, daughter Susan Marino and partner Henry Moreno of Hinesburg, VT, grandchildren Mia Marino, Molly Marino, Addison Aiken and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 3:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, January 9th at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc., 46 Williams St., Whitehall, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday January 10th at the Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 9 Wheeler Avenue, Whitehall. 

The family has requested that memorial donations be made to: Skenesborough Museum, c/o Whitehall Historical Society, PO Box 238 Whitehall, NY 12887; or Our Lady of Hope Parish, 9 Wheeler Avenue, Whitehall, NY 12887.

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