Link to Live Stream Mass of Christian Burial

Saratoga Springs, NY-James C. McConkey Sr, 94, of Wilton, NY passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024.

James was born on August 6th, 1929 in Welland, Ontario. He was the son of the late, John and Ethel (VanDerwerker) McConkey and brother to the late, Jack McConkey and Don McConkey and his wife, Sally, of Ballston Spa.

James grew up in Watervliet, NY and attended LaSalle High School in Troy. Upon graduation from High School, James joined the United States Navy spending most of his 7 years of service at the UnderWater Sound Lab in New London, CT. While in New London, he met and married his wife of 70 years Cecelia (Cebe) Olenkiewicz from Norwich, CT.

After his honorable military service, James returned home to Troy where he attended Siena College. He then moved to Syracuse, NY where he began a 35 year distinguished career in the Insurance business that ended in Schenectady, NY.

Jim loved golf, travel, and the military. Few matched his life-long passion for his vehicles. James also dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church as an usher. He also spent his retired years making new friends as a member of both the Knights of Columbus and the Korean War Veterans.

He is survived by his wife Cecelia, children James Jr., of Norwood, Kimberly (Steve) Spano, of Saratoga Springs and Michael of Scotia, as well as 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10am to 11am on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave.  Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am.  Burial will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY 12831. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

The family would like to thank the Nursing staff on floor A3 of Saratoga Hospital for their compassionate care, as well as Dr. Mallory Otto and Terry Delong, the Nursing Director of A3.