James D. Conway

Conway, James Daniel, “Jim” of Hudson, N.Y., age 88, passed away peacefully at home on February 23, 2026. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Natalie “Nancy” Conway (nee Crouse), parents James and Rita Conway and sisters, Patricia Conway and Alice Jean Gruchy. He is survived by daughter Kathleen Vasquez (Marc) of Frederick, MD; son James M. Conway (Kena) of Copake, N.Y.; two granddaughters, Meagan and Maura Conway; sister-in-law Carol Kitchie, brothers-in-law Joseph (Laura) Crouse and Robert (Ellen) Crouse; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Jim grew up on his family’s farm, now the Columbia-Greene Community College campus in Greenport, N.Y.. After graduating from St. Mary’s Academy in 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, received basic training at Bainbridge. MD, and pursued a role with the aviation branch. Upon graduation from The Naval Air Technical Training Center in Norman, OK, he served in launching and recovery of aircraft during flight operations aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard CVA-31, in Alameda, CA. A flight deck accident on a Far East cruise put Jim in a Naval hospital for 9 weeks. He completed his enlistment at NAS Saufley Field in Pensacola, FL, as a Plane Captain for the T-34 Mentor, the training aircraft for cadets. He was always proud of his part in the preparation of young pilots seeking their Navy wings of gold. Following his honorable discharge, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Nancy in 1959. His employment with Delta airlines took them to Chicago, where they welcomed their first child, then to Long Island, before returning to their hometown of Hudson, N.Y. It was there that they welcomed their second child, and Jim began his 31 years with Niagara Mohawk Power’s gas and electric departments. His work could be physically and mentally demanding, but he shared entertaining stories of camaraderie and enjoyed lifelong friendships that extended into retirement. Despite long work hours, he always made time to fix, build, or help with anything requested by his family, friends, neighbors or church. A self-taught craftsman, he renovated the family home, and voluntarily repainted the interior of St. Mary’s Church in the 1970’s. His talent for restoring buildings earned him the reputation of an artisan with impeccable integrity and evolved into a second career. His work is an enduring feature throughout and beyond Hudson’s historic district. Jim and Nancy shared a love of music and belonged to the Philmont Community Chorus for years. He passed down his artistic proclivities and passion for music, and the outdoors, to his children and grandchildren. He was frequently reminded of kind deeds he didn’t always recall doing, but that touched others with a lasting impact. Jim will be remembered lovingly as a good-humored man of faith, loyal and generous to all who were blessed to know him. The family have been deeply touched by the support of family and friends near and far. Words cannot sufficiently express their gratitude for the kindness of dear friends Pastor Stan Webster, Harry and Karen Halaco, and Jim and Mary Harper, especially in recent years. Arrangements with Sacco Funeral Home, Hudson, will be private. Memorial donations may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, t2t.org, or The Hudson N.Y. Salvation Army, easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/hudson.

James D. Conway

September 20, 1937 - February 23, 2026