James Wagner VanAuken

Van Auken, James Wagner TROY James Wagner Van Auken, 93, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Altamont to the late John and Florence Van Auken, he proudly served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1946 to 1948. After marrying Mary Alice Sloane, Jim and Mary Alice settled in Rensselaer County to raise their eight children. Jim began his career at the N.Y.S. Department of Audit and Control and the State Bank of Albany before moving to General Electric. While at G.E., Jim managed the computer and business system operations for their headquarters. He was later employed as the headquarter service manager for the Civil Service Employees Association, overseeing all functions of the organization before leaving to focus on his career in government. Jim was deeply proud of his time he spent in Rensselaer County government. He served as a committeeman for the 15th Ward in Troy, as well as a member of the Rensselaer County Finance Committee and Program Committee. He was later appointed executive assistant, deputy county executive and the first chief fiscal officer of Rensselaer County. He was also elected as town supervisor of North Greenbush. During his tenure as chief fiscal officer, Jim served as treasurer for the New York State Association of Counties and was a member of the N.Y.S. Treasurers and Finance Officers Association. Jim was awarded the Outstanding Treasurer's Award by the National Association of Counties in 1981. He also received two National Association of County Officer Awards for improvements he implemented in county finances. Jim later used this experience at Chase Lincoln First Bank, where he served as vice president of Government Banking and was responsible for providing banking services and securities to municipalities and New York State. Jim will be lovingly remembered by his family for many summers spent at his camps on Schroon Lake and on the water aboard the Creeky Tee. Later in retirement, Jim left for the sunny shores of the west coast of Florida from where he often called his family to provide an "eighty degrees and sunny" weather report during upstate winters. He enjoyed cruising and traveling. Jim was the loving father to eight children, James (Rhonda), Richard (Judi), Robert (Kimberly), Mary Ann (Thomas Laurin), John, Thomas, Elizabeth and Stephen; and Papa to Courtnie, Amber, Katie, Ryan, Lauren, Kristina, Leigha, Kyle, Kayla, Tyler, Erik, Meghan, Justin, Matthew, and Gabriella, and nine great-grandchildren. Jim is survived by his sister Eleanor Riggione and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Darlene Miller. Jim was predeceased by his brothers, Robert, John, and Edward; and son Richard. His family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at the Van Rensselaer Manor, especially the nurses and aides of the C3 wing, who cared for Jim and were of great comfort to him. Jim loved sharing his humor, wit and charm with the staff. Our appreciation also goes out to the activities staff for always keeping him entertained. The funeral for Jim will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Michael the Archangel Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in the Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland on Saturday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend and may call at the church on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. To remember Jim in a special way, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza, #405, Albany, NY, 12205.