James G. Ethier

WYNANTSKILL – James George Ethier decided to return to our peaceful Lord on Friday, December 28, 2012, after a long battle against Erdheim Chester Disease, surrounded by his loving family, under hospice care at home. He was born on January 4, 1939 in Cohoes, NY to George N. Ethier and MarieAnne Blanchard Ethier. James retired from General Electric after thirty-five years of service as a purchasing agent. He also worked as an Albany ambulance E.M.T., humane society aide and multiple other occupations. James was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. James had a passion for music, enjoyed hiking and camping and learning about everything around him. His love for his family, life and the outdoors will be carried on by those he loved, touched and shared his life with.

James leaves behind his loving mother, MarieAnne of Albany; his beloved wife of thirteen years, Elizabeth Dwyer Ethier; devoted children, Kim Marie and Andrew Ethier of Cobleskill, Nicole Ethier-Rodler of Northwood, NH, Jaime Ethier of Richmondville; his step-children, Scott Janetsky of Tualtin, OR, Brenda Janetsky of Amsterdam, Peter Rowley of Framingham, MA and Rebecca Rowley- Drummond of Valatie. James' legacy carries on in his three grandsons and seven step-grandchildren. James also leaves behind his sister, Margaret Hanssen and brother, Raymond Ethier both of Nassau. Also surviving are many cousins. For all of the special care, support and compassion offered to James during his illness, the family would like to sincerely thank the Neurological team under Dr. Alan Boulos, the respiratory team under Dr. Michael Nakao, Dr. Borris Medorov and the entire staff at Albany Medical Center SICU that provided care to James during his final days.


A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Loudonville Community Church on Rt. 9 in Loudonville. A calling hour will precede the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Cohoes. The family kindly requests that donations in honor of James be sent to the Capital City Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1999, Albany, NY 12201.