James K Light Sr

James K. Light Sr., 89, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2023, at the UVM-CVPH Medical Center. He was born in Sciota, New York, on April 3, 1933, the son of Francis and Ruth (Stone) Light.


The North Country has lost a true master craftsman.


James attended Plattsburgh High School and joined the Navy aboard the USS Dennis J. Buckley, traveling to various European countries. While in the Navy, he wed his high school sweetheart, whom he was married to for seventy years. Upon completing his enlistment, he returned to Plattsburgh, where he began an over sixty-year career in construction.


In the mid-seventies, he established James Light and Sons Construction. He built numerous homes and multi-family dwellings. He excelled at his trade, mastering all aspects of building, from framing to finish work. He was the “Norm Abrams” of the North Country.


Although he enjoyed larger construction projects, his true passion was building furniture in “Papa’s shop.” He also took pleasure in cultivating his flower and vegetable gardens, as well as spending time with his beloved animals.


James and Virginia spent winters in Myrtle Beach and loved to visit Fish Creek Campgrounds in the summer. They also made numerous trips across the country in their motorhome, visiting many states along the way.


He was predeceased by his parents and by his wife Virginia, who passed away on February 1, 2023; his sisters Beverly Elliott and Shirley Rabideau; and his brother-in-law Kenneth Burl.


He is survived by his sons, Gregory and Glen (Kathy) of Plattsburgh and James (Marjorie) of West Hartford, Connecticut; daughters, Pamela (Dennis) LeFebvre of Plattsburgh and Kim (Ned) LaClair of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Daniel LeFebvre of Barre, Vermont, and Laura Dobson of Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada; Jason Light of Dannemora, New York and Nicole Light of Plattsburgh, New York; Stephanie Eames of North Bennington, Vermont, and Craig Light of Arlington, Vermont; Amanda LaClair and Chelsea LaClair of Leominster, Massachusetts, Ashleigh LaClair and Aaron LaClair of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He is additionally survived by a sister-in-law, Lola Burl, and many great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind countless friends.


Most recently, his home was at Meadowbrook Health Care, and the family is grateful for the excellent care he received there. The family would also like to thank his home health aides.


“The man who uses his hands is a laborer. The man who uses his mind is a master. But the man who gives his heart to the passion is a craftsman.”


Calling hours for James and Virginia will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm in the Brown Funeral Home Chapel.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ARWS (Animal Rescue and Welfare Services), P.O. Box 2341, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.


Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.