James R. Nemeth

Voorheesville - James R. Nemeth, 75, passed away on April 28, 2018, at Community Hospice Inn in Albany. Son of the late Gabriel "Whitey" and Susan (Koneval) Nemeth, Jim was born on February 6, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio. He served his country honorably and faithfully in the United States Army as an infantryman (Fifth Army, Ninth Infantry Division) during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60- Device, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star and the Marksman Ribbon. Jim worked as a retail manager, most recently for Boscov's in Colonie, from which he retired in July of 2017.
Although he had his share of work in life, Jim certainly didn't live to work. He worked to live life right. He was a lover of life outside of work. He was most well-known for his irreverent, festive spirit and joviality, and loved to party with friends and family, finding reason even to celebrate the mundane events of life: people still talk about his fence party—and that was in 1981. He was a die-hard fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Indians, the Ohio State Buckeyes, a good steak, cooked medium-rare on the grill, twice-baked potatoes, garlic bread, cheap wine, and Jack Daniels.
He is survived by Barbara (Perko), his loving wife of forty-six years; his "chump punk" daughter, Melissa Campbell of Salinas, CA, and his daughter Carolynn Nemeth of Albany, NY; sisters-in-law Dolores of Lyndhurst, Ohio, and Karen of Aurora, Ohio; in-laws Greg and Marilyn (Perko) Evans, seven nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. Jim was not only an adoptive Dad, but together with his wife, he also fostered several children in both Massachusetts and New York, and hosted exchange students (still considered family) from France, Belgium, Mexico, and Spain. He is also survived by his pups Gus (aka Lamb of God, Gussy-Gus) and Jackpot (aka Crackpot).
In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brothers Robert (Bob) of Lyndhurst, Ohio, and Gerald (Jerry) of Aurora, Ohio; his mother- and father-in-law, Gertrude (Trudy) and Fred Perko of Parma, Ohio, as well as far too many of his Brothers (and Sisters) in Service. He has now gone to the Rainbow Bridge, and has been happily reunited with all of his beloved dogs who had been waiting there for him: his first dog Blackie, and his miniature schnauzers Brandy, Allie Bree, Gabby, and Gracie. Together with them, he has now crossed the Bridge to be reunited with his loved ones who have gone before him.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, June 25 at 11 am, at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871. A private reception (the "afterparty," really...) will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's name to the American Lung Association or the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust.