Nicholas Sotis "Jim" James

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Nicholas James Obituary

CAMBRIDGE * James "Jim" Nicholas Sotis, 77, formerly of Cambridge, died peacefully on Saturday morning, Nov. 4, 2006, at the Vermont Veteran's Home in Bennington, Vt. surrounded by his loving family.

Born Sept. 4, 1929, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, he was the son of Nicholas and Ingrid Hansen Sotis.

He graduated from Fort Hamilton High School and attended Niagara University on a full basketball scholarship.

Jim served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 in Korea. He was awarded a Bronze Service Star, a United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Jim continued his education at New York University and earned a master's degree in education and guidance counseling. He worked as a guidance counselor in Mineville, Montrose, Lawrence, N.Y. and South Royalton, Vt.

He loved all aspects of the natural world -- birding, camping, canoeing, stargazing, photography, and wild flowers, to name a few. He was a true Renaissance man. His poetry was published in the New York Times and several poetry publications.

Along with his longtime companion, Joan Sheppard of Queensbury, he is survived by five children: Tina Sotis (Randy Siddell) of Sandisfield, Mass., Lynne Bittner (Richard) of Greenwich, Nick Sotis (Betty Jo Merek) of Hillsdale, Jaime Sotis of Monterey, Mass. and Lincoln Sotis of Pittsfield, Mass.; three grandchildren, Dorothy, Jasmine and Mohee; a sister, Gloria Kesten (Larry) of Hurley; his former wife and mother of his children, Linda Sotis of Hillsdale; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Monday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ackley & Ross Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge. A time for sharing memories of Jim's life will begin at 12 p.m.

Burial will follow at Woodlands Cemetery, Cambridge.

The family wishes to thank the Vermont Veteran's Home for the compassionate and loving care they provided Jim while he was a resident.

For those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jim, the family suggests the Vermont Veteran's Home music program, North Street, Bennington, VT 05901 or the Battenkill Conservancy, P.O. Box 327, Cambridge, NY 12816.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post-Star on Nov. 6, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas James

7 Entries

Pat McCarthy

November 16, 2006

As I read the tributes to Jim Sotis from his former students, I can't help but think how he would enjoy the "role reversal"--the students for whom he once wrote letters of recommendation are now expressing their gratitude for what he did for them.

Jim took great delight in all his counselees and their accomplishments. He really cared about helping them to get to know themselves and to find the direction that was right for them personally. It was always a special day when a graduate returned
to visit and bring him up to date on his/her life and ventures.

Jim was gifted with a brilliant mind and wide-ranging interests. He was ahead of his time in his concern for environmental issues, which stemmed from his deep love, awe, and sense of oneness with all nature. I can hear him resonating with a quote from Thoreau: "Perhaps
what most moves us in winter is some
reminiscence of far-off summer. For we are hunters pursuing the summer on snow-shoes and skates, all
winter long. There is really but one season in our hearts."

Words are inadequate to capture
the total person, but Jim Sotis will
continue to live in our hearts as a
very special teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend.

Wanda Alexander

November 13, 2006

I graduated from Hen Hud High in 1971, and it would not have happened without Mr. Sotis. He was my mentor, my guiding light and a friend when I desperately needed one. He will be missed and never forgotten.

Richard Stark

November 13, 2006

Always enjoyed his excitment for teaching, a pleasure to have been one of his many students.

Eileen Lussier

November 13, 2006

I am a graduate of Hendrick Hudson High School (Montrose, NY), Class of 1970. Mr. Sotis had been my high school guidance counselor, and I have very fond memories of him. He related well to teenagers and understood them, and one never felt hesitant to go to him, whether it be for an academic question or a personal problem. Mr. Sotis was approachable and always made time for students and parents. I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to be a part of his family and circle of friends. I know you shall miss him. I send my condolences out to his entire family and all his friends.

Sincerely,

tom smith

November 13, 2006

Jim Sotis was "cool" in the best sense of the word. Back in the mid-60's when I was a student/athlete at Hendrick Hudson HS, my fondest memories are of Saturday mornings in the gym, playing run and gun, full court, pick up basketball in the unofficial "Jim Sotis League". Even though our varsity team always played late Friday night games, I would never think of missing a chance to run with Mr Sotis, and marvel at his love of the game (not to mention those 20' driving, off the glass hook shots with either hand). Mr Sotis was a schoolboy at heart back then, enjoying life and his interactions with students, driving an old Citroen I believe, and just reminding all of us not to take life or ourselves too seriously. I will always be a fan.

Guy Van Benschoten

November 12, 2006

I knew and remember Mr. Sotis as a guidance counselor and department director at Hendrick Hudson High School, Montrose, NY.

Lots of students benefited from his guidance & friendship.

He was also my Junior Varsity basketaball tam coach my freshman year, which must have pained him greatly. We were some of the most untalentedted basketball players ever found, and he had played professionally with the Syracuse Nationals, known today as the Philadelphia 76ers, of the NBA.

Despite our lack of talent , he worked wtih us on our skills and we loved playing for him. He always had to turn off the lights to get us to leave practive.

IF the 3 point line had been in the rule book then, he never would have been our coach, he would have been a basketball star. Jim Sotis had a collection of DEADLY shots from way beynd the 3 point line, nearer to mid court, a 2 hand set shot ( no jumper) and both a left and right hand running hook shots, All 3 nothing but net.

He taught us a lot about basketball, and a lot more about life. For the 1967-67 HHHS Jay Vee basketball team, aka "The Sofie Shufflers", thank you, Mr. Sotis

PHILLIP J. CRONKHITE SR.

November 6, 2006

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES
CHAPLAIN, VFW POST# 2475
GLENS FALLS

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