Dr. James A. Seeley

1952 - 2024

Dr. James A. Seeley

Feb. 21, 1952 - Dec. 22, 2023

FORT ANN - Dr. James A. Seeley, 71, a longtime resident of Fort Ann, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born February 21, 1952, in Athens, he was raised by his late grandparents, Dorcas Sarah (Phillips) Seeley and James Merton Seeley, and his late aunt, Naomi Seeley.

James "Jim" grew up in Athens until fifth grade, when he moved to Fort Ann, where he eventually graduated in 1970. While at Fort Ann High School, Jim had a great career playing football, basketball, and baseball, and was crowned King at his Junior Prom.

Immediately following graduation, Jim went on to study Education at SUNY Plattsburgh. He graduated from Plattsburgh in 1973 with his Bachelor of Science in Education, and later with his Masters degree. While working full time in his field after graduation, Jim continued his education and received a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Columbia University in 1990.

Upon graduation from Plattsburgh in 1973, Jim was hired as an Elementary School teacher for the City of Glens Falls. He went on to become the Assistant Superintendent at Bolton School in 1981, and then Superintendent at Glens Falls Common School District in 1989. During the 80's, Jim also gave back to his alma mater by working as an Adjunct Professor for SUNY Plattsburgh. In 1995, Jim was hired as Superintendent of Schools for Hoosic Valley Central School District.

Jim, or "Dr. J" as many liked to call him, not only had an accomplished career as an educator, but also as an athlete and coach. After high school, Jim enjoyed playing in an intramural men's softball team as a young professional, participated in numerous staff sports events at his schools, and was a lifetime golfer.

Jim's coaching career spanned over 25 years and culminated with a New York State Championship in 2007 at Hoosic Valley Central School. He garnered New York State Softball Coach of the Year honors from the New York State Sportswriters Association following the season. In addition to accumulating 385 career coaching victories, Jim also had head coaching stints at Glens Falls and Bolton to help account for 10 league titles, seven sectional crowns and five state tournament appearances. In 2019, he was inducted into the NYS High School Softball Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, he fit in golf whenever he could and loved playing locally and afar with his son, Brett and his good buddies, especially: Dave Jarvis, Bill Garrow, Chris Cook, and Dave Armstrong.

In 2007, Jim retired as Superintendent from Hoosic Valley. In addition to coaching, he loved his cameos in the school plays and was present at as many of the academic and extracurricular events as possible. He said that one of his proudest moments was when the students surprised him and dedicated their yearbook to him in 2002.

After Jim retired from Hoosic Valley, he continued to work in his community. In 2008, Jim was hired as Interim Admin at Luzerne Central School District, hired as Head Coach for the College of Saint Rose Division 2 Women's Softball team, and hired as Executive Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Warren County. Through his 15 year career at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Jim garnered numerous funds and resources for the surrounding communities. One of the ways he did so was through hosting the very successful Annual Cornell Cooperative Extension Golf Tournament, which he was very proud of. Jim also served on the Fort Ann Board of Education, and as the Board President in his later years. He loved his community deeply and always worked hard to bring as many resources to them as he could.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Jim is predeceased by his aunt, Naomi Seeley.

Survivors include his children: Heather Seeley Gilet of Boston, MA, Brett Seeley and his wife, Jennifer, of Hudson Falls, and Danielle Stark and her husband, Matthew of Fishkill; his siblings: Carol Dudley of Hudson Falls and Dr. Colleen Fritze of Boston, MA; and his grandchildren: Brenn, Morgan, Drew, and Elizabeth.

Jim will always be remembered as charismatic, strong, and talented. He always had a good joke or a power ballad in the chamber and knew how to light up any room that he entered.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kari Casey, for her unselfish and consummate care helping Jim navigate through his illness and the constant companionship shared with him. We will never forget, and are indebted to you through our hearts. We are also especially grateful for Dr. Charles Yun at Glens Falls Hospital and Dr. Rebecca Keim at St. Peter's Hospital who played a large role in caring for Jim in his final years.

Friends and family may call from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Mason Funeral Home, 18 George Street, Fort Ann, NY. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow after the calling hours at the 1925 Barn, 89 County Rt. 41, Hudson Falls, NY.

In lieu of flowers, we're celebrating Jim by encouraging all the people in his life to give back and help change others' lives. If you can, please donate blood on his behalf. Memorial donations may also be made in Jim's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.