Obituary of James J. "Jim" Fanniff

JAMES J. FANNIFF

COHOES - Were you fortunate enough to know Jim Fanniff? If you did, you know what a huge loss his death is to his close-knit family and friends. However, if not, let us tell you a little about him.

Jim, a lifelong resident of Cohoes NY, was born on November 18th, 1942 and lost his courageous battle with cancer on October 28th, 2024. To put it simply, Jim loved people, most of all his family. He was married to his wife Barbara (Bennett) Fanniff for 61 years. Jim was hardworking, kind, and dedicated. In 2005 he retired from AT&T (formerly National Cash Register/NCR) where he worked as a computer engineer for 43 years. Over their 61 years together, Jim and Barbara built a home on the hill in Cohoes and raised a beautiful family who couldn't have loved him more. He was always there to listen and support his daughters Kara Fanniff and Kendra (Fanniff) Muckle. He loved Kendra's husband, Rich, like his own and enjoyed spending many hours fishing with him. He was the incredibly proud Papa aka "Furf" to Taylor and Jenna Muckle. He also had a special place in his heart for Taylor's boyfriend Ely, Rich's family, and his daughter's friends who became like family over the years. Jim had one brother, Robert (Bob) Fanniff of Latham NY, who spent many hours at Jim's hospital bedside as he bravely fought his cancer battle. Bob, his wife Jean, and their family Kimberly, Todd (Kelly), and Amanda also feel this loss. Jim was also uncle to Rob Bennett. Many of Jim's NCR family have predeceased him in recent years, including his best friend of 50+ years, Richard Welch. Those who are still here have many stories to share about the memories they've made over the years and we're sure he's reuniting with dear friends and family in heaven. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Jim enjoyed vacationing at his favorite beaches with his family and talking with his neighbors and friends he made on his daily walks. He was his happiest surrounded by those he loved and nature.

Jim's family would like to thank his nurses and doctors at St Peter's and NYOH for their thoughtful and compassionate care.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or the Joy US Foundation at www.joyusfoundation.com which brings joy to local cancer patients and survivors through outdoor events.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial which will take place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, 10:00 AM at The Church of the Holy Trinity, 122 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes, NY. The mass will be livestreamed via the church's YouTube channel and may be viewed at this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so_FXWPsanc

Interment will immediately follow the mass in the family plot of St. Joseph's Cemetery, Waterford.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at The Century House in Latham. All friends and family are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Jean Fanniff at 518-505-2848 by Monday, November 4th.

Arrangements have been entrusted by Jim's family to the care of The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham. For further information or to leave a condolence message for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.