James B. Salada, Jr.

NISKAYUNA - James B. "Jim" Salada, Jr., JD, 71, passed away suddenly Monday, August 30, 2021, at Ellis Hospital.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late James B. and Gertrude (Benincasa) Salada, Sr.

Jim grew up in Tonawanda and was a graduate of Niagara University and Albany Law School.

He was employed by Newkirk Products, Inc., a publishing company in Albany, NY as Senior Vice President, technical editor and in-house counsel, until his retirement.  His tax law knowledge was encyclopedic and respected in the industry.

Jim was so much more than his wealth of legal knowledge. He was a man with a loving heart for his family and friends. He often said how blessed he was to have met his wife Gayle, whom he married in 2014. In so doing, Jim additionally gained a son, Bill.

Jim  was an extraordinary athlete who defied age and practiced full-contact mixed martial arts well into his 60’s. He was an avid golfer and member at Pinehaven Country Club for 25 years, serving as President of the club from 1998 to 2004.  He lived his life with passion, whether he was enjoying weekly lunches with friends, or being the beloved "Pops" to his granddaughter, Milly. An avid Yankees fan with season tickets for more than ten years, he visited the stadium so often that his car seemed to drive itself to New York City. One of his most memorable moments was a closeup of him and Gayle that was broadcast live on the Yankee jumbotron during a game.

Throughout his marriage, Jim grew to love live-theater and concerts, where he would often surprise Gayle with tickets in the first row. One of his most memorable moments was when he arranged for Gayle to meet Josh Groban personally. They both were excited to tell Josh they had chosen his music for their first dance at their wedding.

Jim loved to travel with Gayle, Bill and Bill’s wife Sarah, and granddaughter, Milly. Every trip was an opportunity to say "yes" to new experiences and spend more time with his family.

He was a man given to quiet reflection. He could appreciate the blessed life that surrounded him while not always needing to comment on it. And when he did speak, it was because he had something he could contribute to others' lives.

He leaves his loving wife, Gayle, and son William "Bill" (Sarah) Vacca and granddaughter, Camilla "Milly," of Niskayuna; daughters: Janelle (Dominick) Favata and granddaughter Elizabeth of Latham, Corinne and Jocelyn Salada, both of Durham, NC; sister Cheryl Strauss of Pittsburgh, PA; niece, Carrie (Michael) Fox of Las Vegas, NV, nephew Chris Strauss of Buffalo, and brother Richard Salada of Tonawanda. Jim also will be mourned by his dogs Bela, Brutus, and Blizzard, on whom he bestowed hours of play.  

A Celebration of Life service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7, at Lisha's Kill Reformed Church, 2131 Central Avenue, Colonie. Pastor Lisa Vander Wal will officiate. Because of COVID, masks are required, and seating in the sanctuary will be limited.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Wounded Warriors Project or the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

Arrangements are by Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave, Colonie.

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