James Gerard Filkins

James Gerard Filkins a cherished, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away March 7, 2025 at the age of 68. Jim was born to Alexander & Norma (Ashton) Filkins on December 23, 1956 in Albany, New York. He was the beloved husband to his childhood sweetheart Cynthia Grant, an amazing father to Richard Grant, Patrick (Patty) Grant, Tammy Jo (Jamie) Moore, Jammie Lynn (Phil) Truax and Christina Filkins, a superstar Poppy to Abigail (Jonathan) Ashworth, Tucker James Truax and Adam James Truax and a newly Poppy the Great to the brand-new Marceline Rainey Ashworth.
Jim was blessed at a young age by an anonymous sponsor who paid for his way through La Salle Institute in Troy. This blessing continued to bless his family for years to come. After graduating La Salle, he attended Siena College in Loudonville. In 1979 he graduated with a bachelor's degree and weeks later he married the love of his life Cynthia in June of 1979. Even though they were starting their life together they had already been blessed with raising their first 3 acquired children, the younger siblings of Cynthia, Richard, Patrick and Tammy. In 1977 they were blessed again with the birth of their daughter Jammie Lynn and then once again in 1981 with the birth of their daughter Christina.
Jim spent his adult life building up his family and career to a level of success that brought him immense joy. His unwavering dedication, hard work, and love for those around him defined his journey and left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Jim was the life of the party even if there wasn't a party. He never met a stranger and anyone who came in contact felt heard and important. He had the talent of gifting his grandchildren money and an hour later betting with them and winning all his money back. There are some people who make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger and live just a little bit better, that was Jim.
Jim enjoyed the fruits of his labor and enjoyed many vacations with his friends and his wife. Jim was a work hard, play harder kind of guy.
He played hard with his man friends who may be considered delinquents to those around them. They would travel as a gaggle of golfers without golf clubs. They created hilarious chaos with a side of alcohol and obnoxious green shirts.
In the words of Jim, you can't bullshit a bullshitter
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Norma and Alexander Filkins, his mother and father in-law Roy and Juanita Grant, his brothers Billy Filkins, Marty and his beloved wife Clara (Btag) Filkins, Ronnie Filkins, Norman Filkins, Jackie Filkins and Jerry Filkins; his sister Alyce and her beloved husband Edward Van Vranken; his brothers in-law Joe and John Grant.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Cynthia, his children Richard Grant, Patrick (Patty) Grant, Tammy Jo (Jamie) Moore, Jammie Lynn (Phil) Truax and Christina Filkins; grandchildren Abigail (Jonathan) Ashworth, Tucker and Adam Traux 1 great granddaughter Marceline Rainey. He is also survived by his siblings Joe (Estel) Filkins, Kathryn Strope,Theresa Chartier, Patsy Filkins, Bob (Rosie) Filkins, Richard Filkins and MaryLou Filkins. Siblings' in-law, Tucker Grant, Donna (Harry) Shoemaker, Fran Spiers and Bob Grant along with hundreds of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Funeral Mass will be Tuesday March 11, 2025, at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 210 Princetown Road in Rotterdam. Calling hours will be Monday evening from 4-7PM at the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you help Jim pass along the blessing gifted upon him and donate to La Salle Institute in Troy in his name.