James Donald "Jim" Early

Early, James "Jim" Donald
WATERFORD - James "Jim" Donald Early, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Although born on July 3, Jim always joyfully celebrated his birthday on the fourth of July.
Jim was born at Brady Hospital in Albany, N.Y., the third of five children, of the late Joseph A. Early, Esq. and Loretto Powers Early. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph A. Early (late Patricia), C. Eileen Early, and Loretto Therese Early. He is survived by his loving sister Elizabeth M. Early; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
In June 1967, Jim married Helen K. Clark. They were devoted parents to five daughters. Their daughter, Mary Ellen Early, preceded him in death, on June 26, 2025. Jim is lovingly remembered by his surviving daughters, Grace E. Boss (Mark), of Waterford, Jane F. Early, of Tonawanda, Margaret H. Warner, of Halfmoon, and Kathleen L. Early, of Waterford.
Jim was a proud and devoted father and grandfather. He leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren, Shannon F. Hastings, Julie K. (Luke) Cullinan, Megan G. Neff, Liam J. McMahan, Sean M. McMahan, Patrick J. Esposito, Andrew P. Esposito, Kevin J. Grignon, and Jennifer H. Grignon. He was also the brother-in-law of the late Bishop Emeritus Matthew Harvey Clark, D.D., of Rochester, N.Y.
Jim grew up in Schenectady and graduated from St. John the Evangelist Grammar School, and St. Joseph's High School in 1955.
He began studies for the priesthood, entering Mater Christie Seminary in Albany and later Saint Bernard's Seminary in Rochester. After four years of major seminary, he decided that the priesthood was not his calling and returned to secular life.
He worked briefly for the N.Y.S. Department of Civil Service, before beginning a lifelong career in education. Jim served as Guidance Counselor at St. Mary's Academy on Church St., in Glens Falls, and in August 1967, he began teaching English Composition at Hudson Valley Community College, where he impacted countless students, until his retirement in December 1999.
Shortly after retirement, Jim was appointed Sole Assessor for the Town and Village of Waterford, New York, a position he held with integrity and commitment for 10 years. He was a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker with Realty USA for several years.
Jim's life was one of service. He was a proud member of the J. W. Ford Hose Volunteer Fire Department in Waterford for 57 years; he served his community with dedication and camaraderie. Jim was also a passionate church musician, a talented pipe organist, most recently serving as organist at Saint Joseph's Parish in South Troy. For many years he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 237 in Waterford and the Waterford Lions Club.
In his later years, with declining health and limited mobility, Jim was lovingly cared for at the Eddy Heritage House Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center, on Tibbitts Ave., in Troy.
Funeral, Tuesday at 11:30 a.m., from the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St., (Rte. 32), Waterford, and at noon at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Waterford. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterford.
Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Jim's legacy of kindness, friendship, service, and faith will be remembered by all who knew him.
The Early family kindly suggests contributions in Jim's memory to The Hospice Community, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, N.Y. 12144, or to the Waterford Fire Department, P.O. Box 58, Waterford, N.Y. 12188.
To express your sympathy or share a treasured memory, visit www.Brendesefuneralhome.com