Obituary of James (Jim) Jay Bodnar

James (Jim) Jay Bodnar, age 64 of Quaker Springs, NY passed away on Wednesday, August 8th, 2012 after an accident near his home in Quaker Springs. Jim was born in Saratoga Springs on November 2, 1947. He is the son of John and Lillian (Johanson) Bodnar. He grew up in Schuylerville and graduated from Schuylerville High School. Upon graduation, he entered the US Navy. He served for 4 years, which included 2 tours in Vietnam. Upon return, he was joined in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Mesecher Bodnar on November 8th, 1969. Together they raised two children. Jim was blessed with the gift of carpentry and firefighting. After working for the Town of Saratoga Highway Dept in the early 1970’s he began working with his Father and business partner, Phil Brown, building many homes in the Schuylerville area. His desire of becoming a career firefighter in Saratoga Springs did not come to fruition and he continued as a volunteer. He worked for different companies as a finish carpenter placing his craft in areas such as Interlaken, Saratoga Ridge and many others around the area. He later began and ran his own business for many years and most recently completed the circle and rejoined the Town of Saratoga in their maintenance department. Jim loved his community and spent his time giving back to it. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 278 where he served as 2nd Vice Commander, past Commander and was also an active member of the Color Guard. He was currently serving as Commander of the Adirondack Island X-14 Seabee Veterans of America. He was also a member of the VFW in Greenwich NY. He began his fire service with the Schuyler Hose Co before being deployed to Vietnam. Upon his return, he became a member of Quaker Springs Fire Dept beginning on May 5th 1970. He held many titles and was proud of serving in a Chiefs position for 15 consecutive years. When turning in his “White Hat” he became a District Fire Commissioner and was currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. In his younger years he was a true and avid outdoorsman. He was proud and loved his Plot Coonhound (Trapper) and his plump Beagle (Jumbo). He was a member and Past President of the Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club in Victory Mills. He played a large role in finding the club a location to call home. His name is still proudly included on the deed to the Rod and Gun Club. Jim was a friend to everyone and loved to help people. He blessed everyone around him with his warm smile and genuine laugh. He loved fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family and friends. His family was his pride and his grandchildren were blessed with a strong bond to their wonderful grandfather. In addition to his parents, Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Shirley Bodnar; daughter, Michelle Stine (Dean) of Schuylerville; son, James Bodnar (Tricia) of Schuylerville. He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren; James Stine, Brittney Anderson, Derek Anderson and Katrina Bodnar; along with many cousins, nephews, nieces, brother and sister in laws (spouses). Jim will be missed immensely by a large extended family and friends both new and old. Jim was predeceased by his paternal Grandparents Stephen and Theresa Bodnar, maternal Grandparents Harry and Gertie Johanson, Sister Laura Lee Bodnar, Brother Thomas John Bodnar, Sister Sally Ann Murphy, and Mother in Law Margaret May Mesecher Galusha. Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 12, 2012 at Flynn Bros Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave Ext, Schuylerville. The Rite of Committal will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at 200 Duell Road in Schuylerville. Words cannot express the family’s gratitude to the General Schuyler Emergency Staff, Quaker Springs Fire Department, Wilton Ambulance and the Emergency Department at Saratoga Springs Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: QSFD PO Box 67 Schuylerville, American Legion Post 278 Clancy St Schuylerville or any organization of choice in his honor. In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing. An angel has earned its wings.