James W Stark , VRHS Class of 1952
Stark, James W. RENSSELAER James W. Stark, age 79, of Rensselaer passed away on Tuesday March 4, 2014 at Albany Medical Center. He was born in Albany and lived in Rensselaer for most of his life. Jim was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as a pitcher, and roomed in spring training with Don Drysdale. After baseball, he was an Army veteran serving from 1956 to 1962. After his military service, Mr. Stark was employed as a policeman for the city of Rensselaer for 29 years, before retiring as chief of police in 1995. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 14 in Albany and the National Police Association. Jim enjoyed camping and traveling in his motor home. Husband of June Michalski Stark of Rensselaer. Father James W. Stark III (Kileen) of Rotterdam and Jeffrey W. Stark (Marie) of Schodack. Grandfather of Leah, Michael, Amanda, Matthew and Alicia Stark. Brother of Robert G. Stark (Claudia) of East Greenbush. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer on Saturday, March 8 at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in the spring in Bloomingrove Cemetery, Defreestville. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Albany Medical Cardiology Unit, Albany Medical Center Foundation, 43 New Scotland Ave., mail code 119, Albany, NY 12208.