James J. Motler

ALBANY James Joseph Motler, son of the late George E. and Tressa Mullany Motler, died suddenly Tuesday, January 3, 2006. He was born at Brady Maternity Hospital, Albany, N.Y. at a record weight of 13 pounds. He was the beloved husband of A. Theresa (Terry) Maloney for 43 years. Jim is survived by his six loving and adoring children, Deborah Ann of Charleston, S.C., Theresa Lee and her husband William Cahill of Rocky Hill, Conn., James Joseph Motler Jr. and his wife Maureen A. of Guilderland, Christopher Motler and his wife Pamela J. of Ballston Lake, Daniel Patrick Motler and his wife Janice M. of Shark Rivers Hills, N.J. and Katherine Anne and her husband Chanderdeep Singh of Niskayuna. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren who affectionately called him Pop and Poppy, Liam Finbarr, Declan Terrence, Kellyanne Marie and Elena Theresa Cahill, Eric James, Julia Louise and Emma Mary Motler, Caroline Joyce and Allison Elaine Motler, Blaise James Motler and Aidan Ajit and Amandeep James Singh. Also survived by his sisters, Martha Ragule; brother-in-law of Franklinette Motler, Mark Maloney and Kathleen McHale; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, John, George E. and John J., and sister, Mary. A dedicated child, Jim spent many weekends on the Freihofer's Bread truck and Motler family store. He was also an altar server for Bishop Edmund F. Gibbons. Jim was a lifelong resident of Albany and graduated from the former Vincentian Institute, class of 1950, and Siena College, class of 1954. After ROTC at Siena, he was stationed at WeisBaden, Germany as a First Lt. in the 44th Division as a field artillery specialist. Upon returning to the States, he furthered his education by completing his M.B.A. at Siena College in 1960. He went to work for the State of New York, concluding his 28-year career in 1991 with the department of transportation. Jim was past president of the Holy Cross Men's Association and elected Man of the Year in 1978. He also served as financial secretary for the Ancient Order of Hibernians and secretary of BPOE, #49. He spent well over 30 years in the Western Turnpike Golf League. He was a loyal Democrat committeeman and actively supported Westland Hills Little League. Jim was a devoted communicant and usher at Holy Cross Church, Albany for over 35 years. His hobbies included tinkering in his tool shop, marveling at air travel, especially World War II vintage P51-D fighter jets, family camping and collecting wood working tools. Funeral services Friday at 12:30 from the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Holy Cross Church, Albany at 1:00 p.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited. Interment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Contributions can be made to Holy Cross School, Rosemont St., Albany, NY 12203.