James Sheridan

Following a short illness, James Joseph Sheridan III passed away on February 7 at home, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Watertown, NY on November 7, 1926 to James Joseph Sheridan II and Mary Ursula Murray. The story of Jim's father's fame as “the baseball oracle,” the family's move to Amsterdam in 1934 and the senior Sheridan's tragic death were recorded by Bob Cudmore in his book, Hidden History of the Mohawk Valley.
Jim was educated at St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam, the LaSalle School in Albany and Father Baker's Lackawanna Home. He hitchhiked across the country in the early 1940s and joined the Marines in California, only to be discharged when they found out he was 15 years old.
Jim worked at a variety of jobs, including chef, in various diners, restaurants and kitchens of public institutions, initially in Amsterdam, then Northville and Gloversville. He eventually traveled throughout the Northeast working in Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maine.
He returned to Amsterdam in 1986 and worked at Country Twist and Paul's Kitchen until he was hired by Mt. Loretto Nursing Home in the late 1980s where he worked for around 15 years. While there he was honored as Employee of the Month and often served as an emcee, umpire and cheerleader (complete with skirt and pom-poms) at events. Work was an important part of his life, and he believed in giving his employers “ 60 minutes to the hour”. as he would say.
Besides Mt. Loretto, he also worked part-time as a watchman at Ward Products, and seasonally for his good friend, Ed Schuyler, at Schuyler's Orchard.
Jim was a colorful character with a great sense of humor. He faced much adversity, especially in his youth, which he shared with the readers of the Amsterdam Recorder during the nearly three years he wrote a weekly column. Injecting humor into just about everything helped him deal with what he faced in his life
In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, watching Fox News, old movies and televised horse races. He also enjoyed reading, listening to the music of George Shearing, Jackie Gleason and Lawrence Welk and spending time with his grandchildren and pets. Writing nostalgic pieces for the Recorder was the highlight of his later years. It meant a great deal to him that he touched people's hearts and lives, and the many letters he received in response to his writing from people in Amsterdam and the surrounding area as well as from former Amsterdamians all over the country touched him as well..
On February 12, 1952, he married Mary Ellen Steiger, who survives him. His courtship of Mary began when he played “Dream a Little Dream of Me” 25 times or so at Al's Pizzeria where Mary worked, in an effort to get her attention. Her boss finally asked her to talk to the guy playing the repetitive tune. She hadn't even noticed what he was doing!. He asked her to marry him on their first date. They would have celebrated their 63rd anniversary on Thursday.
Regarding his wife, he often said in recent years, “I get the biggest kick out of just sitting and holding her hand.” “Without mommy, I'm nothing.” Before bed each night, they would say, “Good night. God bless. I love you.”
Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his son, Michael James Sheridan (Evelyn), Edie Sheridan Weaver (Daniel) and Mildred “Mooney” Sheridan Jezierski (Chester). He is survived also by six grandchildren: Keelie Sheridan of NYC, Kieren Sheridan Barnes (Shawn) of Schenectady, Courtney Sheridan (Jason Green) of Amsterdam, Dr. John Weaver of Binghamton, David Weaver of Amsterdam and Rachel Weaver of Waterford.
He leaves behind one sister, Pat Sheridan Luba (Frank) of Elgin, TX and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his “second family,” Carol, Jane and John Jezierski ,and by his beloved animal companions, Daisy Dog and Ursie Cat.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Betty Sheridan Hildebrandt (Lou), infant son Percy, infant daughter Linda Marie, and two infant grand-children, Joseph Sheridan and Joshua Weaver. He was also predeceased by dear in-laws, George and Edith Steiger Daye, Robert Steiger, John and Caroline Steiger, Auggie Greco, his beloved beagles Mooner and Precious and his black cat, Snowball.
The family would like to especially thank Jim's longtime family practitioner, Dr. Michael Sheridan, Nurse Practitioner Cheryl Sparks, Dr. Snyder, Dr. Harbeck, and Community Hospice, especially Sally Romano, Lucy Merendo and Rachel Escher for their compassionate concern for Jim and his family. They would also like to thank Kevin McClary, Kevin Mattison and the Amsterdam Recorder for giving Jim a forum to share his memories.
Viewing hours are from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, Feb. 10, with the funeral taking place Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Noon at the Riley Mortuary 110 Division Street in Amsterdam.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jim's name to City Mission of Schenectady POB 760 Schenectady, NY 12301 or S.O.C.K.S POB 972 Gloversville, NY 12078.