James M. Whitney

Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save September 27, 1943 -November 9, 2026 James M. Whitney passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026. Jim was born on September 27, 1943 in Glens Falls, NY to George and Gladys Whitney and remained a lifelong resident of the region. He graduated from Glens Falls High School in 1962 and SUNY Delhi in 1964 with a degree in Civil Technology. In 1965, Jim married his one true love since the age of 13, Alma VanDerwarker. He recalls admiring her pretty hair as he sat behind her in middle school. People are also reading… One killed in Stony Creek car crash Whitehall woman pleads guilty to criminally negligent homicide Pharmaceutical testing lab to replace Angio at Glens Falls site Saratoga County couple arrested on firearms and narcotics charges Fort Ann man arrested after multi-car hit-and-run Saratoga County man arraigned in child sexual abuse images case Corinth woman arrested after alleged identity theft last summer Meet Glens Falls' own Emmy-winning writer Queensbury trio headlines Section II Cross Country Championships on Saturday Glens Falls scores early and often in Class B semifinal football victory over Gloversville Lighting up South Glens Falls' Main Street South Glens Falls student arrested after alleged water bottle assault VT man arrested in alleged attempted burglary in Washington County October births at Glens Falls Hospital Argyle senior named Adirondack League boys soccer Most Valuable Player He and Alma embarked on what would be many life adventures while starting his professional career at Allied Chemical in Syracuse, NY, just after their wedding. Jim and Alma settled back in GF and Jim's successful career with Kamyr (Ahlstrom/Kamtech) started as a Structural Designer and continued for 31 years and grew to the level of Vice President. Jim led teams responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in successful paper industry construction projects. Jim's dreamer mind and high level of creativity led to the granting of a United States Patent (5,172,867) for the utilization of a paper pulp digester as a structural support in 1992. Jim retired and started his own consulting business, Jim Whitney EPC (Engineer, Procure, and Construct) Consulting Services. Working out of the HJH office until the age of 79, Jim cleaned out his office on his 80th birthday. Jim developed specialized project management and construction estimating models that were unique, efficient, and reliable. Jim advanced and adjusted these models through vast changes in technology throughout his career. Jim was a proud and instrumental 59-year member of The Salmon Pond Club in Blue Mountain Lake and appreciated that "Camp" provided a space for him and his family to experience the Adirondacks that he loved in every season. He found great joy in hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and ATV riding. Jim and Alma completed the Adirondack 102 club in October 2016, visiting 102 Adirondack towns and villages and earning the Vagabond award. Jim would acknowledge being an occasional "son of a gun", even more he was generous, fun, thoughtful, engaging, and thankful for the memories and the deep long-term friendships he made with his SPC friends, his extended family members, and his colleagues over the years. Jim had an excellent memory and was a fantastic storyteller. He was always ready to share tales of the past and adventures from his life, and while mixed in with some hard times, he left this world extremely grateful for the journey he had and the people he shared it with. Departing before him: Jim's parents; George and Gladys Whitney and his youngest sister, Nancy Downer (Bill). Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alma Whitney, his daughter, Lisa (Renee), and his son, Tom. Jim is also survived by his sister, Sharon LaPointe (John), his grandchildren Jasper, Cooper, and Sawyer, and many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces/nephews, friends, and colleagues. Friends may call from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, November 13, 2026, at M.B. Kilmer Funeral Home, 82 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's memory may be made out to the Moreau Emergency Squad, 583 Rt. 9 Moreau, NY 12828 or Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, PO Box 99, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812. Moreau Emergency Squad responded numerous times over the recent years with great care and a sense of humor. Jim's family is also very grateful for the compassionate care he received recently by the professional and skilled caregivers at Fort Hudson Health System, including the team at The Community Hospice. 0 Comments Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy .