Obituary of James B. Northrop

James B. Northrop Latham-Jim Northrop, 87 of Latham, beloved husband of Betty Lou for 63 years, entered peacefully into eternal life on Monday January 6, 2014 at his home in Latham. Born in Yonkers NY Jim was the son of George and Catherine Northrop. Jim attended and graduated Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers before becoming eligible to enlist in the Navy toward the end of WWII. He served in the North Atlantic Fleet as an Electrician's Mate on a Destroyer Escort - "USS Tidewater" helping protect the Mid Atlantic coastlines from Virginia to Greenland. Following the war and his marriage to Betty Lou in 1946, Jim earned his degree at the University of Florida and began what became a life of notable success in both his personal and professional lives. Throughout their life together Jim and Betty Lou enjoyed raising their family and held an active social life together with many lifelong friends and relatives. Jim loved golf and travel within the US, Europe and the UK. He cherished his time with Betty Lou and his family including daily visits with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As a young professional Jim pursued a career in Labor Relations and enjoyed a rise in position and responsibility. His capabilities would leap from private industry - with Huyck Felt Corporation during the 1960's, to accepting a leadership responsibility within the NYS Governor's Office of Employee Relations in 1967. First appointed by Nelson A Rockefeller, Jim served successfully under the next three consecutive Governor's administrations concluding his public service under Mario M. Cuomo. Following his career in Public Service, Jim helped form and lead a consortium of consulting interests with business associates and clients here in the United States and the United Kingdom. Throughout his life Jim also served actively in Civic and Community organizations. He earned National and Regional leadership roles within the Junior Chamber of Commerce organization. He also brought his organizational skills and interests for many happy years to the "Top of the Hill" Men's Leadership Group operating from within St Peters Church in Albany. Survivors include his loving children Laura (Wayne) McGlynn of Defreesteville, Jamie (Terry) Northrop of Latham, and Kimberly Northrop of Bethany, CT. He was was predeceased by his daughter Deborah Riley. Jim is survived by his cherished grandchildren Jeffrey (Melissa) McGlynn, Christa (Bob) Strunk, Cara McGlynn (Chris Oboyski), Jason (Renata) Ramirez, Michael Riley, JB (Beth) Northrop III, Kyle Northrop, Brittany Northrop, Jenna Perrelli and Christian Perrelli, and his great grandchildren Landon James Northrop, Morgan McGlynn, Daniel McGlynn, Madelyn McGlynn, Zander Ramirez, Elise Oboyski, and Hadley Oboyski. He is also survived by his sisters Mary McIntyre, Elizabeth Smith, Joan Huppman, Kathleen Howard and Bernadette Holodak. Funeral services will be held Friday January 10th at 11:00 am at St. Pius Xth Church in Loudonville with Father Walsh and Father Paul Hart. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday January 9th from 4-7 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Internment will be in Albany Rural Cemetery, Menands. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation for the expert care given to Jim from his team of medical specialists which included Dr's - Fabregas, Wyckam, Bakst, Salenger, Hart and Radosovich, the weekly lifeline of the Memorial/St. Peters Heart Failure Program (Cathy, Chris, Martha, Darcy, Stefanie and Elaine), the Live In homecare aides provided from Accent Healthcare (Amy, Sierra, Mary, Chris), the purpose and happiness of Bright Horizons Day Program (Susan Rouselle, Sister Grace and all staff and volunteers), and the earlier help from our Private Health Aides (Denise, Cathleen, Karen, Sara, Nancy and Loren). We appreciate what everyone has done, the relief that you brought to our challenge and the 3 ½ years of added time together with him that we gained with your help. Contributions may be made to Bright Horizons Day Program c/o Town of Colonie Senior Services Centers, Inc 6 Winners Circle, Colonie NY 12205. Or, please contact Karmel DeStefano 518-459-2857 x 304. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.