Loder, James Russell

NEW SCOTLAND — James Russell Loder, 71, passed away on November 7, 2018, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Chestertown, Md., he was the son of the late Reverend Lester E. Loder and Winifred (Stidolph) Loder. Both of his parents were natives of New York City. James resided in Delaware and Islip, Long Island, before moving to Bayside, Queens where he would attend school from grades six through twelve. He graduated from Bayside High School in 1966. His family had a cabin in Speculator, N.Y. where he would eventually meet his future wife.

Jim showed an aptitude for all things mechanical and technical from an early age. He had an avid interest in amateur radios (Ham Radio Call sign WB2CMD) and communication technologies. As a teenager, he was recruited to take part in a sea rescue on the Coast Guard Cutter Mariposa during a storm in Long Island. He set up radio communications when authorities lost contact with the search and rescue team. His fondness for all things “technical” would lead him to be employed in a variety of settings that would support his interest.

James moved his family to the New Scotland area in 1970. He held various local jobs in the communication industry including AT & T and Conrail before establishing his three companies; New Scotland Communications, Tri City Beepers and Empire Site Company, Inc. Jim was a social member of the Elsmere Fire Company and former member of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. He provided technical and radio assistance to many local organizations, and businesses. He believed in supporting his local community and donated radio services to Elsmere and Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Companies.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years Elaine (Van Dyke) Loder of Clarksville; his daughter Erika Butler, her husband Thomas and their daughter Shayla, all of Delmar; son Russell Loder of Clarksville; his sister Lucille Wilhelm of Boston; brother David Loder of Reno, Nev. and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Onesquethaw First Responders and the Albany County Sheriff EMS Division.

Relatives and Friends may call at the Applebee Funeral Home Inc. 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar, on Monday, November 12, from 3 to 6 p. m.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Albany County EMS or Onesquethaw Fire and Rescue Squad.