James M Handford , VRHS Class of 1936
RENSSELAER James M. Handford, age 97 of Rensselaer, died Monday December 3, 2018, at the Van Rensselaer Nursing Home. The son of the late Benjamin and Ruth Morrill Handford, he was born in Rensselaer and educated in the Rensselaer school system. Loving husband for 56 years to Grace (Drew) Handford, he felt he was truly blessed with the life of love and devotion Grace provided him and their children. Grace predeceased him in 1999. She was the daughter of Hildreth and Pearl Drew of #Rensselaer. Jim enlisted into Troop B, Horse Cavalry NYNG in 1939 at Albany and attained the rank of 2nd Lt. upon graduation from Tank Destroyer OCS in December 1942. He served overseas on Leyte, P.I., attained the rank of Captain, Armored Division and was discharged in January 1946. James was employed by the former W.H. Smith Paper Corp. in Albany for 34 years, served as vice president in sales, retired in 1983. He was a life member of the First Baptist Church, Rensselaer, a member since 1946 of Van Rensselaer Lodge #87 F+AM, a member of the American Legion Melvin Roads Post 1231, and a life member of Hendrick Hudson Fish and Game Club. He served three terms as president of the Adirondack Goodnow Flow Assoc., Newcomb, N.Y. In addition to his beloved wife Grace, Jim is predeceased by his brother Benjamin Handford. Devoted father of Bruce (Margaret) Handford, Barbara (Mark) Callahan, Beth (Robert) Brown; grandfather of Kevin (Jennifer) Handford, Mark Jr. (Ashley) Callahan, Jill Handford, Sarah Brown and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Stewart; great-grandfather of Gabriella, Brianna, Natalie Handford, Copper and Arrow Callahan, Charlotte Grace Handford, and Kayden Stewart; brother of Edwin Handford and devoted friend of Nancy Mitchell. Interment is in the New Rural Cemetery, East Greenbush. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Jim in a special way, may send contributions in his memory to the Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104 or a charity of your choice which will benefit children in need.