James C. DesRocher, 82, of Greenfield Center, N.Y., formerly of Plattsburgh, NY passed away on May 30, 2023, at his home with his love of his life, Karen Clark Moakler, by his side.

Jim was born December 22, 1940 in Plattsburgh, NY, to the late Clarence and Mildred (Rabideau) DesRocher.  He graduated from Our Lady of Victory Academy in 1958.

After graduation Jim worked at Imperial Paper Mill, Clinton County Motor Vehicle Department, and retired from New York State Unified Court System where he had a distinguished thirty four year career. He served as District Executive for the Four Supreme Court Justices when they were District Administrative Judges for the Eleven County Fourth Judicial District.

He served in the US Army Reserves. He was a member of the NRA, SaraSpa Rod and Gun Club, and The Mulleyville Hunting Club. He was a past member of the Plattsburg Elk's Club, and Kushaqua Hunting Club.

Jim also known as "Corvette Jim" enjoyed being with his friends and family and had a love for children and animals that was unseen. He loved to tease and bust everyone. He enjoyed driving his Vettes but never put the top down on the convertibles because he couldn't smoke since the wind would blow the ashes all around the car and a dirty Vette was not acceptable to him. He also enjoyed going to lunch with Don, Frank, Jack & Jack and then stopping at the Glad Rags for a laugh & beverage. You knew where you stood with Jim, he said it the way it was and then would laugh afterwards. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Fat Boy, working on his lawn with his tractor, playing pool, Acey Ducey, Two Card Guts, and spending time at his camp in Loon Lake and Mulleyville. No matter where he was, you could always find Jim in a crowd by his contagious laugh.

In Jim's younger years he was an avid hunter and fisherman, both in summer and winter. As years passed, he and his small gang of close friends became more of "social" hunters. Though he enjoyed the annual hunting trip to the Southern Tier with John, Chris, Chubby and occasionally Carl. He spent more time generously supporting the economic conditions of the taverns in that area.

For a time, Jim was an avid snowmobiler, based mostly out of the camp he and his brother John owned on Loon Lake.  But as a chill cut through to his bones, and the cold froze the beer, summer ATV riding became the preferred method of comradeship - putting on many miles on the trails in the Loon Lake area with some of his friends John, Jackie, Chris, Chubby, Billy Joe, Gary and Stan from Plattsburgh; and the Mulleyville trails with the Glad Rags Saloon Gang: Karen, Don & Margaret, Tommy & Della, Taylor, BIG FRANKIE, Jack & Terri, Jan & Bou, Jenn & Rick, and Jack & Bernice. The two different groups were really one big bunch riding with Jim in both areas. As with everything he bought, it had to be the biggest and fastest available, such as his Polaris 1000… but the BIG ATV was often slowed a bit when he would "give in" and let Karen drive.

Another adventure that Jim partnered with his brother John on was owning and operating THE RED LYON TAVERN, one of the most successful taverns in Plattsburgh from the mid 70's to the early 90's.

After he retired at 53 he felt the need to do something so he and John purchased a Woodmizer, which Jim and his friend Don ONLY operated from 9:00am to noon. It was then time for lunch, beverages, and laughs, at Glad Rags Saloon.

When not on land he captained his pontoon boat around Sacandaga Lake. Of course with his first mate Karen, second mate Jan, and friends. They cruised around the lake from establishment to establishment, again helping the lakeside economy.

One of his favorite past times was sitting at the kitchen table with Karen, and whoever else may have stopped by. Drinking coffee (or another kind of beverage), smoking a pack of cigarettes and watching the deer outside the sliding doors.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, a younger sister Susan Post and her husband Robert, sister in law Priscilla DesRocher, brother-in-law Robert Cirotta, nephew Danny Cirotta and niece Darcie Cirotta.

He is survived by his lifelong love Karen Clark Moakler; a sister Linda Cirotta; brothers, John DesRocher (Jackie) Randy DesRocher (Kim); and several nieces and nephews, Dean, Jeff, Erin, Josh, Nathen, Hollie, Chris and Leslie.

Relatives and friends may call from 11-1:00pm Saturday June 3rd, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373). A funeral home service will immediately follow as well as burial at the Greenfield Center Cemetery.

Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Estherville Animal Shelter 100 Russell Rd, Greenfield Center NY 12833, Community Hospice of Saratoga 179 Lawrence St. Saratoga Springs NY 12866.

Karen would like to thank her friends and Community Hospice group, for their amazing care and support during this difficult time.

To offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of James C. DesRocher, please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.