James Russell Ebbets, Jr. DC

June 8, 1953 - August 30, 2025

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of James Russell "Russ" Ebbets, Jr., a loved and respected member of the Union Springs community and Finger Lakes region for some 30 years. Russ was born in Hartford, Connecticut to James Russell Ebbets Sr. and Mary Doherty Ebbets. He grew up in Oyster Bay, NY and Saratoga Springs, NY.

Russ was pre-deceased by his parents and is survived by his wife, Jeannie O'Farrell Ebbets; his brother John Ebbets (Lindsay); niece Logan Mary Ebbets; nephew Keegan Russell Ebbets (Danielle), former sister-in-law and trusted friend Jan McCoy Ebbets, Jeannie's children and grandchildren, and Golden Retriever Jule. Jeannie shares that Russ was the love of her life for 28 years, and she is grateful for every precious moment they had together.

Russ graduated from Oyster Bay High School where he was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. He went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from Union College, New York Chiropractic College and Villanova University, recently completing an undergraduate degree at Villanova that he started in 1972. https://www1.villanova.edu/university/professional-studies/about/news-events/2025/0513.html . He also completed master's degrees in education, exercise science, and communications. During his graduate studies, he traveled to Russia to study sport science of the Eastern Bloc nations.

Russ's career path took him from high school English teacher and track coach at Bishop Gibbins High School in Schenectady NY, to track coach at Union College, to teaching at New York Chiropractic College. He had a private chiropractic practice for more than 30 years. He authored a number of books; his first was "Supernova," a novel based on his freshman year as a member of the Villanova track team. His most recent book is "Call Me Coach," a compilation of interviews with highly successful track coaches. He was collaborating on another book at the time of his death.

USA Track and Field published "In Memory of James Russ Ebbets DC" on August 31, 2025 noting that Russ:

"... devoted his life to advancing athletics and health care in profound ways. He served as President of the USAFT Niagara Association from 2021-2023…Russ's career was defined by service to both athletics and chiropractic care. He was recognized by the American Chiropractic Sports Council for his pioneering work bridging chiropractic science and sport performance...he was a cornerstone of the USATF Coaching Education Program…" https://niagara.usatf.org/news/2025/in-memory-of-james-russ%E2%80%9D-ebbets-dc .

From Russ's colleague and friend Matt Jones who coached track with Russ at Bishop Gibbons High School and at Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, NY: "Russ was a middle distance runner and competed many times in the New York Empire State Games…Russ left no stone unturned to get the most out of his efforts as an athlete and coach. He was always looking for new ideas, techniques, and tactics. He often called, and we spent endless hours talking about training. I also enjoyed hiking with Russ. We hiked several mountains in the Adirondacks, most recently this past June to Terrell Pond."

Russ's life was one of service. He was a member of Lions Club International for more than 30 years. He was honored to serve as District Governor for the Finger Lakes Region 20E2 from 2022-2023, and since then served as PDG (Past District Governor).

Russ was a lifelong faithful Catholic and attended mass regularly. On those occasions when he couldn't get to mass, he would say "I couldn't get to mass today, so I walked in the woods. I found God there." Russ was an avid hiker and earned the title of "Adirondack 46er" having completed all 46 hikes of the Adirondack High Peaks. He loved the game of golf and would often go out on his own to improve his game. Russ loved a good joke, and especially loved telling jokes when he had an eager audience.

The messages and outpouring of love sent to Russ while he was in the hospital and hospice were received with humility, grace, and appreciation. Messages from former runners and students were especially meaningful. Former chiropractic student Ammitai Worob writes: "...meticulous attention to detail and the small, but significant building blocks of success were the scaffolding Russ constructed, and filled with immense generosity of his time, spirit, and mentorship to a generation of chiropractors…Dr. Ebbets' impact is immeasurable, and ultimately, timeless."

In Russ's memory, donations may be made to Lions Club International https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate or the Villanova University Men's or Women's Track and Field and Cross Country Programs https://give.villanova.edu/campaigns/36916/donations/new?a=6752888 .

Relatives and friends may call Wednesday September 3, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday September 4, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 62 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801.

Burial will be private.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.