James Joseph "Jim" Kosakoski

Kosakoski, James "Jim" Joseph WEST SAND LAKE James "Jim" Joseph Kosakoski, 62, of Crestview Drive passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on May 4, 1954, at Brady Maternity Hospital in Albany, Jim was the son of the late Peter J. Kosakoski and Mary (Brady) Kosakoski. He was predeceased by his youngest brother, Bernard Kosakoski and other dear relatives. Jim was the beloved husband of Nancy (Ellery) Kosakoski; brother to Bruce P. Kosakoski (Bernadette Browning); twin to Judith A. (Kosakoski) Brooks (Jeffrey Brooks); uncle to Keith Kosakoski (Kimberly Chupa), Kraig D. Brooks and Kelly M.E. Brooks; brother-in-law to Ann Ellery (Jim Suozzo), Elaine (Ellery) Nugent (John Nugent Sr.); and their children, Kristin Nugent, Meghan Nugent, Johnny Nugent and Billy Nugent. Also survived by several members of his extended family. Jim was a graduate of St. John's Academy in 1972. He continued his education attending S.U.N.Y. Alfred achieving an A.A.S. degree in data processing, proceeding to S.U.N.Y. Plattsburgh for a B.A. in psychology and finalizing his academics at the College of Saint Rose with an M.B.A. He lived most of his life in the Capital Region, with the exception of attending the various colleges and initiating his professional career in the Great Barrington, Mass. area as a director of Residential Services for Berkshire Meadows returning in the late 1980's as the deputy executive director for Residential Services with the Center for Disability Services. Concluding his professional career recently as New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencie's deputy executive director and chief financial officer. Jim had many interests and activities; his passions were his work serving those with developmental disabilities and, in his free time, golf. Proud member of the Burden Lake Country Club and treasurer of his golf league. Jim's achievements include being a finalist of both the E.S.P.N. Two Man Best Ball Tournament in Las Vegas and Two Man Best Ball for the United States Golf Challenge in Orlando Fla. He also had several hole-in-ones to his credit. Jim enjoyed playing at many golf courses up and down the east coast with all of his friends. Jim became active and involved in his interests. Jim was co-president of the S.C.C. board on Martha's Vineyard. Jim also achieved his private pilot license and was a member of the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. Jim received a taste of the culinary arts while employed at L'Auberge Restaurant in Albany during his high school years and always enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. Jim always enjoyed a good party. Jim's family wishes to express thanks to Dr. Rana Jacob and staff at Upstate Hematology Oncology, the Rensselaer County V.N.A., and Ellis Hospital doctors and nurses that cared for him. The funeral will be from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer Friday, October 7, at 9 and 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church Herrick Street Rensselaer where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, October 6, from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Condolence page at wjlyonsfuneralhome.com