James A. Economides

It is with a heavy heart that we share that James A. Economides, age 79 of Delmar, New York and Venice, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2025 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

“Jim” (Demetrios) was born in Johnson City, New York in 1945. He was the son of Greek immigrants Theodosios and Pellagia Manouse Economides who came to the United States in the 1920s and settled in Endicott, New York. Greek was Jim’s first language growing up and he enjoyed speaking Greek whenever he could. Jim received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science cum laude and a Master’s degree in Student Personnel Counseling from State University at Albany, and a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School. Jim’s 30 year career in real estate law was in public service with the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He was most proud of his work on the acquisition of Sterling Forest, a 22,000 acre state park in Orange County, New York, one of the largest additions to the New York State park system in the last 50 years.

In addition to his professional law career, Jim was actively involved in his community serving as President of the Pinebrook South HOA in Venice, Florida, Kenholm Pool Association in Delmar, NY and Animal Crackers Day Care in Rensselaer, NY. Jim was also a former member of the Order of Demolay, the Order of the Masons and did pro bono legal work for many in the community. A man of strong faith, Jim conducted church tours for over forty years at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Festival. He will be remembered for his kindness, care for family and friends, diplomacy, intelligence, love of history, a good debate and his devotion to his Greek Orthodox faith. He was affectionately known by his daughter and grandson as “the original Google” for his vast breadth of knowledge.

Jim was fortunate in his retirement years to have wintered in Venice, Florida, and to have traveled to the Caribbean, Ireland, Greece, Canada, Turkey, Italy, Spain and France as well as throughout the United States.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Kathleen Daly Economides, Daughter Colleen (Bill) Scott, Son Mark (Bridget), Grandson Gavin Scott, his cousin who he considered like a brother Dino Christopher (Rita), cousins Irene Malagari (Scott Anderson), Andrea Manyon, MD, Joan Manouse Maloney, Brothers- in- law Dan Daly (Cheryl) and Gerald Daly, Sister-in-law Marilyn Daly (Nigel Simmons), and Siblings Harvey Councilman, Rodney Councilman (Diane), RuthAnn McMullin, Mary Councilman, Irene Heery), and many nieces and nephews. Jim was also predeceased by his brother James T. Economides and cousin Peter Manouse.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 13 from 5 to 7 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, Delmar. A Trisagion service will be held at 6:30 pm. A funeral service will be held 10 am Friday, March 14 at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Rd., Albany. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. Contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church or American Legion Charities.