Obituary of James T. Croote

WESTERLO – James Thomas Croote, Sr., 90, passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Albany Medical Center. Jim was born on April 17, 1931 in Guilderland, a son of the late Lawton and Marietta Lambert Croote. He lived most of his life in Westerlo. Jim was an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Westerlo, married the former Faye Brush, and together they started their family. He worked at Albany Airport, for the former Walter Motor Company, as a partner at the former Brush Service Station in Westerlo, at General Electric in Schenectady, and retired from the Albany County Highway Department. Jim was a longstanding member of Plumbers Local 128, and was a member of Greenville American Legion Post 291. He and Faye volunteered many hours of service for the Helderberg Seniors meal program at Hiawatha Grange. He enjoyed square dancing, singing and playing his guitar, and working on cars. Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Faye Brush Croote; four children, James T. Croote, Jr., Connie (Ed) Kudlack, Nancy (Cliff) Kudlack, and Barbara (Daniel) Kudlack; six grandchildren, Edward Kudlack, Jr., Amanda Barkley, Jared (Korinne) Barkley, Danielle Kudlack, Jennifer (Eddie) Alund, and Michael Kudlack; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gertrude (Chet) Brush, and Isabella (Jerry) Adinolfi; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his brother, Alan Croote, whose wife Susan survives. Calling hours will be Tuesday, June 1st from 10 a.m. until 12 noon at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. A funeral service will be conducted at 12 noon by Pastor Will Balta, followed by burial with military honors in Westerlo Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to South Westerlo Congregational Christian Church, 282 County Route 405, Greenville, NY 12083 will be appreciated. Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.