James R Armstrong

James R. Armstrong, 77, of Station Street, Altona, NY passed away on Saturday October 1, 2011 at his home with his family by his side under the care of Hospice of the North Country. He was born in Pittsfield, MA on October 11, 1933 the son of Thurman and Laura (Dubuque) Armstrong. James served his country as a Marine during the Korean War with the 161 Helicopter Marine Rescue. He married the love of his life Bertha Ann Hemingway at Holy Angels Church in Altona in 1956. James worked for Imperial Wall Coverings for 38 years retiring in 1996. He enjoyed gardening, pool, shuffleboard, slot machines, hunting and fishing, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. James was a parishioner at Holy Angels Church and a member of the V.F.W. Post 1418 in Champlain, NY. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother Russell Armstrong and a great-grandson Brady Dragon. James is survived by his wife of 55 years Bertha Armstrong, a son Timothy Armstrong of Altona, five daughters; Darlene Orzel and her husband Edward of Spencerville, Ontario, Melody LaFave and her husband Leo of Irona, Cynthia Cushman and her husband Donald of West Chazy, Carol Lopez and her husband Jay of Mooers, Terri Swinton and her husband Lance of Mooers and Melinda Hilliker and her husband Jason of West Chazy, nine grandchildren; Heather, Marty-Jo, Robbie, Joey, Kayla, Katrina, Bryant, Kiley and Savanah, eight great grandchildren; Victoria, Payton, Justin, Coty, Keegan, Gavin and Lily, five brothers; Roy Armstrong and his wife Judy of Keeseville, Gerald Armstrong of Texas, Robert Armstrong and his wife Penny of Champlain, Leonard Armstrong and his wife Donna of Champlain and Thurman Armstrong and his wife Linda also of Champlain, several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. Calling hours will be held on Monday October 3, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Altona. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday October 4, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Angels Church in Altona. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Donations in James' memory maybe made to the VFW Post 1418 or Hospice of the North Country. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 3123 Miner Farm Road, Altona, NY, (518) 236-5986 Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.