Obituary of James M Liptak

James Michael Liptak, born in Paterson, NJ on Oct 9, 1949, died Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Glens Falls Hospital with his family by his side. He was the son of Anthony and Ann Liptak of Schuylerville, NY. In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his brother John Liptak. Survivors include his wife Sheila, two sons, Justin Liptak of Schuylerville and Jacob Liptak (Lisa) of Ballston Spa, one daughter, MacKenzie Liptak of Ballston Spa, two step sons, Christopher Farr (Kiera) of Ballston Spa and Jason Farr (Mimi) of Cohoes, one step daughter, Lindsay, two sisters, Mary Ann (John) Emerson and Donna (Jim) Henry of Florida; one brother, Michael (Marty) Liptak of Schuylerville; sister-in-law, Donna Liptak of Schuylerville; 9 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. James was a graduate of Schuylerville Central High School. After graduation he served as a medical corpsman in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He received a degree in Applied Science from Maria College of Albany, and a Physician's Assistant degree from the Albany-Hudson Valley Physician's Assistant Program. He retired from The Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY where he practiced medicine as a Physician' Assistant for 26 years. James was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed nature. He was also a proud member of the Green Sabers Drum & Bugle Corp, the "Pride of the North" and performed at President Kennedy's and President Johnson's inauguration. A memorial service will be held at the Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY, at noon on Thursday, May 21st, followed by a celebration of his life at the American Legion on 6 Clancy St, Schuylerville. James, last night I looked up at the sky, and thought to myself -- how breath taking, how mind blowing beautiful it is up there. The stars were shining so bright and the moon was gleaming. The sky line went on and on and on, never ending. And I felt this feeling all over, this comforting feeling that tingled from my head all the way to my toes. I knew at that very moment it was you, smiling down on us -- telling us not to worry everything's all right.