James B. Dowdall, III

James “Jim” Bernard Dowdall III, 73, resident of Livingstonville, passed away at Cobleskill Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 15, 2022 after battling a long-time illness.  Jim was born on April 12, 1949 in Weehawken, NJ and was the third of ten children born to James and Margaret (Secor) Dowdall.

Jim was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and served 13 months in Vietnam from 1967-1968 where he was a motor vehicle operator and mechanic.  He was a proud veteran who earned many medals and certificates including Rifle Expert, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Achievement Medal, and Combat “V.” 

Jim devoted his life to his family, who could count on him for anything.  He had a passion for nature and enjoyed many hunting trips, although the latest hunting trips may have included a nap under a tree.  A true sportsman, he was a member of the Middleburgh Rod and Gun Club.  Jim loved listening to music and was a lifetime Grateful Dead fan.  He loved driving and taking a ride was his daily therapy until recent months when he was no longer able to get around as well.  You were almost guaranteed to meet Jim at Stewarts in Middleburgh, with a smile and time to visit about local news and life with friends.

He is survived by his loving wife: Lorraine Dowdall.  Childhood sweethearts, they married on June 30, 1973 and have shared 49 beautiful years together.  Jim was also blessed with three beautiful children: James B Dowdall IV, Melissa Dowdall Miller (Bruce Trobridge) and Joshua (Amy) Dowdall; he was beloved Pop to Emily, Christopher, Alexis, Matthew, Kaylyn and Emil.  And he is survived by his siblings: Brian Dowdall, Margaret DeNoia, Patricia Hoffmann, Colleen (Bill) Buchanan, Charlene (Greg) Alpher, Kathleen Dowdall, in-laws and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings: Kevin, Timothy and Bernadette Dowdall. 

Semper Fi “Always Faithful” and Jim was just that in life and in faith, holding his family and his love of God dearly close to his heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial, in celebration of Jim’s life will be at 9:00AM on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Main Street, Middleburgh. Burial with Military Honors will be in Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY.  All are invited to visit with Jim’s family from 2:00-4:00PM and from 6:00-8:00PM on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River St. Middleburgh, NY.

Memorial donations in Jim’s honor are requested to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS. 66675-8516

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