James A. Hay

James Albert Hay. January 15, 1942 – October 10, 2026 James Albert “Jim” Hay, 84, of Plattsburgh, New York, passed away on October 10th in Plattsburgh.

Jim was born on January 15, 1942, in Buffalo, New York, to Robert and Florence Hay. He grew up in Plattsburgh and attended Mount Assumption Institute (MAI). Following high school, Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force before returning to the North Country. On July 26, 1969, Jim married Carol Geist in Setauket, New York. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage and raised their two sons in West Chazy, New York, where they made their family home for many years.

Jim spent his career as a heating service technician, specializing in the installation, maintenance, and repair of residential heating systems and hot water heaters. Eventually, he established his own business, Home Heating Service, serving homeowners throughout Clinton County. He took pride in his work and built his livelihood through years of dedication, hard work, and service to his community. A quiet and unassuming man, Jim was known for his friendly nature, strong work ethic, and devotion to his family.

An enthusiastic sports fan, he was especially devoted to his beloved Buffalo Bills, rarely missing a Sunday game and enjoying the opportunity to attend several games in person with his son, Kenneth. Above all, Jim was a dedicated husband and father who took great pride in his family. He enjoyed taking his family on vacations, faithfully attended his sons’ sporting events, and encouraged their academic pursuits. Through his steady presence, support, and example, he instilled values of kindness, integrity, and hard work that will continue to live on through his family.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Carol Hay; his sons, Clifford Hay (Sandy) and Kenneth Hay; his grandchildren, Brittany Hay, Julie Chauvin, and Codie Hay; and his great-grandchildren, Gavin, Kayden, and Aspen. He is also survived by his siblings, Frank Hay, William Hay, and Marie Varno, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Florence Hay, and his younger brother, John Robert Hay.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at St. Peters church in Plattsburgh. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research through his family’s dedicated tribute page: https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3708&np=true